Hand-held electronic device

ABSTRACT

A hand-held electronic device comprises an IC-card chip unit, a watch CPU, a power source unit, a display unit, and a switch connected between the power source unit and the IC-card chip unit. The watch CPU has a power supply controlling unit. The IC-card chip unit performs contactless data communication with an external transmitter-receiver in close range. The watch CPU operates on power from the power source unit, receives data from the IC-card chip unit to display the data on the display unit or to process the data before displaying them on the display unit. The power supply controlling unit closes a switch at least during the period of time that the watch CPU receives data from the IC-card chip unit, thereby causing power to be supplied from the power source unit to the IC-card chip unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hand-held electronic device such aswatches and portable phones.

BACKGROUND ART

Magnetic cards are known as an information recording medium forrecording various information. Although those magnetic cards can bemanufactured cheaply, they are not capable of recording a large amountof information. There has also been a problem that security protectionis difficult to ensure in the magnetic cards. In order to solve theseproblems, IC cards have been developed and spread in recent years, andthose IC cards are capable of storing a large amount of information andthe security protection is easy to ensure.

Of such IC cards, contactless IC cards are excellent in itsfunctionality for performing high speed data exchanges only by bringingan IC card close to a reader/writer. Further, the contactless IC cardsoffer an advantage of not requiring maintenance. Thus, it is desiredthat the contactless IC cards be applied to various purposes such astrain tickets, commutation tickets, and ski lift cards.

Because this type of contactless IC cards are not capable of displayingthe contents of data on a standalone basis, confirming remaining valueinformation and history information stored in an IC card requires anexternal data reading and displaying device for reading and displayingthese information. This is because conventional contactless IC cards aremade to operate on power derived from received signal from an externaldevice, and, with such weak power, it is hard to operate a displayingdevice provided in the IC cards for displaying remaining values and thelike.

However, it has caused inconvenience for users that, when a userutilizes contactless IC cards as electronic money of small amount ortrain ride tickets, the user cannot confirm the amount used andremaining value if a data reading and displaying device is not availableclose by.

Additionally, there are problems of having a small communication rangeand being vulnerable to noise because conventional contactless IC cardscannot obtain a large amount of power, being driven by rectifying thepower of received signal.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention aims at providing a hand-held electronic devicethat can be used in the same way as conventional contactless ID cardswithout loss of portability, the device being capable of displaying datacontents.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides ahand-held electronic device comprising a contactless communication unitfor performing contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver; a power source; a display unit; an informationprocessing unit which operates on power from said power source, forreceiving data from the contactless communication unit to display thedata on the display unit or process the data before displaying them onthe display unit; and a power supply controlling unit for causing thepower source to supply power to the contactless communication unit atleast during the period of time that the information processing unitreceives data from the contactless communication unit.

The hand-held electronic device enables the use of contactless IC cardsin the same way as the conventional contactless IC cards without loss ofportability as well as the displaying of data contents acquired throughcontactless data communication with the external transmitter-receiver onthe spot, thereby enhancing operability for users.

In one preferred embodiment, the hand-held electronic device furthercomprises a switch inserted between the power source and the contactlesscommunication unit, and the power supply controlling unit closes theswitch, thereby causing the power source to supply power to thecontactless communication unit. The switch is, for example, atransistor. Further, the contactless communication unit includes anantenna and a high-frequency circuit connected thereto. The contactlesscommunication unit has a clock generating unit for generating clock fromcarrier received from the external transmitter-receiver and receivesdata from the external transmitter-receiver by the clock.

In another preferred embodiment, the hand-held electronic device furthercomprises a power voltage generating circuit for generating powervoltage from signal received from the external transmitter-receiverthrough contactless communication unit to supply the generated powervoltage to a circuit in the contactless communication unit. The powervoltage generating circuit includes, for example, a rectifier circuitfor rectifying receive signal to generate power voltage.

The contactless communication unit may comprise a non-volatile memory.In this embodiment, the contactless communication unit writes acquireddata by the contactless data communication to the non-volatile memory orupdates data in the non-volatile memory through the contactless datacommunication. The information processing unit receives data read fromthe non-volatile memory from the contactless communication unit.

In another preferred embodiment, the contactless communication unit mayfurther comprises a non-volatile memory and a power voltage generatingcircuit for generating power voltage from receive signal. In thisembodiment, the contactless communication unit, when it locates withinthe communication range of the external transmitter-receiver, performscontactless data communication utilizing power voltage generated by thepower voltage generating circuit, and writes in the non-volatile memoryacquired data through the contactless data communication or updates datain the non-volatile memory through the contactless data communication.The information processing unit receives data read from the non-volatilememory from the contactless communication unit.

In another preferred embodiment, the hand-held electronic devicecomprises a carrier detecting unit for detecting carrier transmittedfrom the external transmitter-receiver. In this embodiment, when carrieris being detected by the carrier detecting unit, the contactlesscommunication unit performs contactless data communication with theexternal transmitter-receiver, and when carrier is not being detected bythe carrier detecting unit, the information processing unit receivesdata from the contactless communication unit.

It is preferable to configure the carrier detecting unit so as tooperate on power from the power source.

In another preferred embodiment, the contactless communication unitfurther comprises a carrier detecting unit for detecting carriertransmitted from the external transmitter-receiver, a non-volatilememory, and a power voltage generating circuit for generating powervoltage from signal received from the external transmitter-receiver tosupply the generated power voltage to a circuit in the contactlesscommunication unit including the non-volatile memory. In thisembodiment, the contactless communication unit, when carrier is beingdetected by the carrier detecting unit, performs the contactless datacommunication utilizing generated power voltage by the power voltagegenerating circuit; and writes into the non-volatile memory dataacquired by said contactless data communication or updates data in thenon-volatile memory through the contactless data communication. Theinformation processing unit, when carrier is not being detected by thecarrier detecting unit, receives from the contactless communication unitdata read from the non-volatile memory.

In one preferred embodiment, when it changes from a state where carrieris being detected by the carrier detecting unit to a state where carrieris not being detected by the carrier detecting unit, with this as atrigger, data transfer from the contactless communication unit to theinformation processing unit is initiated.

In another preferred embodiment, the hand-held electronic devicecomprises a carrier detecting unit for detecting carrier transmittedfrom the external transmitter-receiver, and, when carrier is beingdetected from the carrier detecting unit, the contactless communicationunit performs contactless data communication with the externaltransmitter-receiver and the information processing unit receives datafrom the contactless communication unit.

It is possible to configure the hand-held electronic device so that thepower is supplied from the power source to the contactless communicationunit and that data are transferred from the contactless communicationunit to the information processing unit according to operation to anoperational member.

In another preferred embodiment, the power supply controlling unit, whendata signal is transmitted from the contactless communication unit tothe external transmitter-receiver, causes the power source to supplypower to the contactless communication unit.

This embodiment enables the utilization of power supplied from the powersource when transmitting data signal to the externaltransmitter-receiver, which increases the transmission power or thedegree of modulation, thereby enabling the reliable transmission of datasignal to a more remote location.

In one preferred embodiment, the information processing unit, uponreceiving data from the contactless communication unit, displays thedata or results obtained by processing the data on the display unit.

The information processing unit, when the termination of a displayoperation is instructed by the operator, may terminate the displayoperation. This embodiment enables a user to timely confirm results ofthe contactless data communication with the externaltransmitter-receiver.

Further, the information processing unit may terminate the displayoperation after maintaining the display operation for a predeterminedperiod of time. The display operation is automatically terminatedaccording to this embodiment, thereby minimizing power consumption. Inthis case, it is also possible to immediately terminate the displayoperation when the termination of the display operation is instructed byoperation to the operational member.

Further, following the termination of the display operation, it ispossible to resume the display operation when the start of the displayis instructed by operation to the operational member.

This embodiment enables a user to display results of the contactlessdata communication anytime for confirmation.

The information processing unit, when it does not display data receivedfrom the contactless communication unit or results obtained byprocessing the data on the display unit, may display other informationon the display unit.

This embodiment enables the display unit to be used for purposes otherthan confirming results of the contactless data communication, therebymaking the hand-held electronic device more useful.

In one preferred embodiment, the information processing unit has atimekeeping unit for performing timekeeping operations to generate timeinformation. In this embodiment, when the received data from thecontactless communication unit or the results obtained by processing thedata are not displayed, the information processing unit displays thetime information obtained from the timekeeping unit.

In one preferred embodiment, the hand-held electronic device comprises atimekeeping unit for performing timekeeping operations to generate timeinformation and an analog hand display unit for automatically drivinganalog hands based on the time information to perform time displayoperations.

In this case, the display unit may be configured by transparent liquidcrystal display element positioned in front of the analog hands. A useris able to visually identify the analog hands through the transparentliquid crystal display element. Alternatively, the display unit may beconfigured by a transparent organic electroluminescence light emittingelement positioned in rear of the analog hands.

The analog hand display unit includes a driving motor which stepwiselydrives the analog hands. In one preferred embodiment, the hand-heldelectronic device comprises a motor drive prohibiting unit whichinhibits the supply of driving signal to the driving motor, during theperiod of time that the contactless communication unit is performingcontactless data communication with the external transmitter-receiver.

In such an embodiment, the motor is not driven during the contactlessdata communication, thereby preventing noise from occurring, the noiseadversely affecting the contactless data communication.

In one preferred embodiment, the hand-held electronic device comprises adisplay prohibiting unit for suspending a display operation of thedisplay unit.

In such a hand-held electronic device, no display operation is performedduring the period of time that the contactless communication is beingperformed, thereby protecting the contactless data communication fromnoise that occur along with display operations.

In one preferred embodiment, the display prohibiting unit detects thatradio communication start signal is received from the externaltransmitter-receiver by the contactless communication unit, therebydetecting the start of the contactless data communication. Further, thedisplay prohibiting unit resumes the display operation of the displayunit when acquired data by the contactless data communication arewritten into the memory, alternatively when data in the memory have beenupdated through the contactless data communication.

The hand-held electronic device may be provided with a controller forcausing the contactless data communication to be divided into multipletimes and performed intermittently. In this case, the displayprohibiting unit causes a display operation of the display unit to besuspended when the contactless data communication are initiated orresumed, and the operation to be resumed when the contactless datacommunication is suspended or terminated.

A hand-held electronic device sometimes has a lighting unit which isplaced on front or back side of the display unit, for lighting thedisplay unit. In such an embodiment, it is preferable to provide a lightprohibiting unit for prohibiting the lighting unit to perform lightingoperations during the period of the contactless data communication.

The hand-held electronic device provided by the present invention has,for example, the shape of a wristwatch that can be mounted on the arm ofa user. The power source is, for example, a battery.

The present invention further provides a hand-held electronic devicecomprising a contactless communication unit for performing contactlessdata communication with an external transmitter-receiver; a carrierdetecting unit for detecting carrier transmitted from the externaltransmitter-receiver; a power source; a power supply controlling unitfor causing the power source to supply power to the contactlesscommunication unit during the period of time that carrier is beingdetected by the carrier detecting unit; an information processing unitwhich operates on power from the power source, for receiving dataobtained from the contactless communication unit through the contactlessdata communication within the period of time that carrier is beingdetected by the carrier detecting unit to display the data on thedisplay unit, or to process the data before displaying them on thedisplay unit.

Using such a hand-held electronic device, even if the contactlesscommunication unit has no circuit for generating power voltage, powerfrom the power source is supplied to the contactless communication unitduring the period of time that carrier is being detected, therebyperforming data transmission from the contactless communication unit tothe information processing unit during the contactless datacommunication with the external transmitter-receiver.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a radio device for watchescomprising a casing detachable from a watch and radio communicationmeans, provided with the casing, for performing data exchanges with anexternal radio device through radio communication.

Using such a radio device for watches, a user can easily add acontactless IC card function to his own watch.

The present invention can be carried out not only in such embodiments asto produce the hand-held electronic device with respect to the presentinvention for sale, but also in such embodiments as to record a programfor controlling the hand-held electronic device in a recording mediumfor distribution or to distribute the program through atelecommunication line for distribution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing how a user carrying awristwatch-type electronic device passes through a gate, the electronicdevice being a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an externaltransmitter-receiver provided in the gate.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the electronicdevice.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hand driving unit ofthe electronic device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of theelectronic device.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a carrierdetector provided in the electronic device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing waveforms of each section of the carrierdetector.

FIG. 8 and 9 are time charts showing an operation of the electronicdevice.

FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing display examples of the electronicdevice.

FIG. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing display examples of a modificationin the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device which is a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of theelectronic device.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device which is a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receivingcircuit and a transmitting circuit of the electronic device.

FIG. 17A is a plan view showing a configuration of modules inside theelectronic device.

FIG. 17B is a section along the line I–I′ of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a plan view showing another configuration of modules insidethe electronic device.

FIG. 18B is a section along the line I–I′ of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of data communicationbetween the electronic device and an external transmitter-receiver.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an operation of the electronic device.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing waveforms of driving signal which drives aliquid crystal display panel of the electronic device by a static drivesystem.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modification ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an operation of a modification of theembodiment.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a radio device and a watchthat are a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a section view showing a configuration of the radio device.

FIG. 27 is a section along the line III–III′ of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a contactless ICcard according to the embodiment.

FIG. 29 is an outside drawing showing a watch which is a seventhembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a configuration of a contactless IC cardaccording to the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing main components of a watch whichis a modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing main components of a watch whichis another modification of the embodiment.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1] First Embodiment

[1.1] Summary of Configuration

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a data communication system that servesa wristwatch-type electronic device 10. As shown in the figure, user Uwears the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 on the arm and passesthrough gate G. Gate G is for example a ticket gate of a train station.Gate G is provided with an external transmitter-receiver 90. Theexternal transmitter-receiver device 90, when the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10 passes through gate G, performs bi-directional datacommunications with the wristwatch-type electronic device 10.

The data communications generally employ carrier (carrier signal) of13.56 [MHz] or 125 [kHz], and is weak radio communication wheretransmission output levels of the both devices are limited to low. Forthis reason, a range of several centimeters in distance from theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 is a circle where communications can beperformed (hereinafter referred to as a communication range). Therefore,in performing bi-directional data communications, a user is required tobring the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 close to the antenna ofthe external transmitter-receiver 90.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the externaltransmitter-receiver 90. In the external transmitter-receiver 90, acontrol unit 93 controls the entire external transmitter-receiver 90. Atransmitting circuit 94 generates and outputs transmit control signalunder the control of the control unit 93. A receiving circuit 95receives receive signal at an antenna 97 through a high-frequencycircuit 96, and demodulates received data from the receive signal so asto output the demodulated received data to the control unit 93. Thehigh-frequency circuit 96 generates transmission signal based on thetransmit control signal so as to transmit the transmission signal to thewristwatch-type electronic device 10 through the antenna 97, and outputsto the receiving circuit 95 the receive signal received by the antenna97 from the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 as well.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10 with regard to the present invention.

In the wristwatch-type electronic device 10, a watch CPU 14, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) 17, and a hand driving unit 18 are components forconducting mainly a watch function and an information processingfunction. The hand driving unit 18 comprises an hour hand, a minutehand, and a second hand; a stepping motor for driving these hands; and adriving circuit for driving the stepping motor.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hand driving unit 18 comprises a driving circuit18A and a driving mechanism 18B. In the driving mechanism 18B, thestepping motor 310 is equipped with a driving coil 311 for generatingmagnetic forces with driving pulses supplied from the driving circuit318A; a stator 312 that is excited by the driving coil 311; and a rotor313 which rotates under a magnetic field produced inside the stator 312.Magnetic saturation portions 317 are provided in the stator 312 so thatthe magnetic forces generated by the driving coil 311 produce differentmagnetic poles in respective phases (poles) 315 and 316 around the rotor313. Also, in order to restrict the direction of rotation of the rotor313, an inner notch 318 is formed in an appropriate position along aninner periphery of the stator 312. When the stator 312 is excited by thedriving coil 311 in this structure, cogging torque is produced, so thatthe rotor 313 stops in an appropriate position.

The rotation of the rotor 313 of the stepping motor 310 is transmittedto respective hands by a wheel train 350 which comprises a fifth wheel351 meshing with the rotor 313 through a pinion, a fourth wheel 352, athird wheel 353, a second wheel 354, a minute wheel 355, and an hourwheel 356. A second hand 361 is connected to a shaft of the fourth wheel352, a minute hand 362 is connected to a shaft of the second wheel 354,and an hour hand 363 is connected to a shaft of the hour wheel 356. Withthe rotation of the rotor 313, those hands are rotated to indicate thetime.

The driving circuit 18A supplies driving pulses of various waveforms tothe stepping motor 310 by following driving instructions from the watchCPU 14. The driving circuit 18A comprises a bridge circuit made up of ap-channel MOS transistor 333 a, an n-channel MOS transistor 332 a, ap-channel MOS transistor 333 b, and an n-channel transistor 332 b. Thedriving coil 311 of the stepping motor 311 is inserted between a nodeconnecting the p-channel MOS transistor 333 a and the n-channel MOStransistor 332 a and another node connecting the p-channel MOStransistor 333 b and the n-channel transistor 332 b. By applying controlpulses from the watch CPU 14 to each gate electrode of those MOStransistor 332 a, 332 b, 333 a, and 333 b, driving pulses are suppliedto the driving coil 311, thereby driving the rotor 313.

In FIG. 3, the watch CPU 14 performs a timekeeping operation so as todisplay the current time with the hour hand, minute hand, and secondhand of the hand driving unit 18, and also performs various informationprocessing as necessary and displays a result of the processing on theLCD 17.

Further, an IC-card chip unit 11 and an antenna 12 connected thereto arecomponents for mainly conducting the function of a contactless IC cardfor performing data communications with the externaltransmitter-receiver 90. The IC-card chip unit 11 is equipped with aradio frequency (RF) unit 21 for receiving receive signal input throughthe antenna 12, a power supply unit 22 for generating driving power fromreceived signal input through the antenna 12, and a microprocessor 23for controlling the entire IC-card chip unit 11. The IC-card chip unit11 is connected to the watch CPU 14 through a data interface 13.

A battery 15 is a power source for supplying power to a carrier detectornot shown, the watch CPU 14 and the LCD 17. The battery 15 is alsoconnected to the IC-card chip unit 11 through a switch transistor 16.While the switch transistor 16 is on, power is supplied from the battery15 to the IC-card chip unit 11. The watch CPU 14 causes the battery 15to supply power to the IC-card chip unit 11 through the switchtransistor 16, thereby permitting data exchanges with the microprocessor23 through the data interface 13.

[1.2] Detailed Configuration

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10 as shown in FIG. 3 further indetail.

[1.2.1] Antenna

As shown in FIG. 5, the antenna 12 is equipped with a coil L and atuning capacitor Cl.

[1.2.2] RF Unit

The RF unit 21 is a circuit for performing a function as a contactlesscommunication unit with respect to the present invention. The RF unit 21is equipped with a rectifier circuit 31 for rectifying receive signal atthe antenna 12 and supplying as direct power (VDD, VSS) through asmoothing capacitor C2; an amplifier 32 for amplifying analog receivesignal for output, the analog receive signal having been input throughthe antenna 12; an amplitude-shift keying (ASK) demodulating unit 33 forASK demodulating the analog receive signal for output as receive data;an ASK modulator 34 for ASK modulating the transmission data enteredfrom the microprocessor 23 for output as transmit control signal; adriving unit 35 for generating analog transmission signal based on thetransmit control signal; a clock generator 36 for forming clock pulsesCLOCK1 based on the analog receive signal entered through the antenna12; and a reset signal generator 37 for generating reset signal RESETbased on the analog receive signal entered through the antenna 12.

[1.2.3] Microprocessor

The microprocessor 23 is equipped with a CPU 41 for controlling theentire microprocessor 23; a ROM 42 in which control programs and controldata are stored; a RAM 43 for storing various data temporarily as a workarea; an encryption coprocessor 44 for performing various processingsfor encryption instead of the CPU; an electrically erasable andprogrammable ROM (EEPROM) 45 for storing various data that need to bestored in a nonvolatile manner such as received data; and an I/O unit 46for performing an interface operation between the microprocessor 23 andthe watch CPU 14.

[1.2.4] Watch CPU

The watch CPU 14 is equipped with a CPU 51 for controlling the entirewatch CPU 14; a gate array unit 52 for various processings; an I/O unit53 for performing an interface operation between the watch CPU 14 andthe microprocessor 23; a power controller 54 for controlling whether ornot to supply power from the battery 15 to the microprocessor 23; a RAM55 for temporarily storing various data; a ROM 56 in which controlprograms and control data are stored; a clock oscillator 57 forperforming timekeeping operations as well as generating and outputtingclock pulses CLOCK2 based on oscillation frequency of an externallyconnected crystal oscillator X; and an LCD driver 58 for driving aliquid crystal display (LCD) 17.

[1.3] Carrier Detector

Next, a configuration of the carrier detector will be described withreference to FIG. 6.

The carrier detector 38 is equipped with an operational amplifier 61 foramplifying analog receive signal entered through the coil L and thetuning capacitor C1 forming the antenna 12 for output as amplifiedanalog receive signal; a diode detector 62 for performing diodedetection of the amplified analog receive signal to output detectionsignal SD1; an emission resistance R1 for emitting electric chargesreserved in the diode detector 62 when detecting diode; and a bufferunit 63 for outputting carrier detecting signal CRDET after bufferingthe output signal from the diode detector 62.

The diode detector 62 is equipped with a diode D1 whose anode isconnected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier 61, and acondenser whose one terminal is connected to the cathode terminal of thediode D1 and whose the other terminal is connected to alow-potential-side power source GND.

The buffer unit 63 comprises a first NOT circuit NOT1 to the inputterminal of which the cathode terminal of the diode D1 is connected,where the first NOT circuit NOT1 reverses the detection signal SD1 andoutputs as reversed detection signal/SD1; and a second NOT circuit NOT2to the input terminal of which the output terminal of the first NOTcircuit NOT1 is connected, where the second NOT circuit NOT2 reversesthe input reversed detection signal/SD1 and outputs as carrier detectingsignal CRDET. Power is supplied to the carrier detector 38 from thebattery 15.

FIG. 7 shows waveforms of each part of the carrier detector.

Analog receive signal ANT received by the antenna 12 is, for example,signal acquired by modulating carrier with the frequency of 13.6 MHz.When diode detection is performed as for the analog receive signal ANTby the diode detector 62, detection signal SD1 whose waveform is almostequal to the envelope of the carrier is output to the buffer 63. Thebuffer 63 effectively performs a waveform-shaping operation of thedetection signal SD1 and outputs as carrier detecting signal CRDET asshown.

[1.4] Operation of the Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing an operational example of the presentembodiment. The time chart shows that a user carrying a wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10 passes through a gate equipped with an externaltransmitter-receiver, along with operations of the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10 during the shown period. In the operationalexample, the IC-card chip unit 11 of the wristwatch-type electronicdevice 10 functions as a prepaid card. FIG. 9 is a time chart showingdetailed operations of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 duringthe period from time t1 to time t13 of the time chart shown in FIG. 8.Additionally, FIG. 10A and 10B show examples of a display screendisplayed on a display unit of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10in this operational example. An operation of the present embodiment willbe described hereinafter with reference to these figures.

First of all, as shown in FIG. 8, we assume that user U is walkingtoward gate G. At this point of time, the wristwatch-type electronicdevice 10 is in a time displaying state (time display mode), nothing isdisplayed on the LCD 17 of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 asshown in FIG. 10A, and we can see through a dial 71, an hour hand 72, aminute hand 73, and a second hand 74 positioned in rear of the LCD 17.Further, inside the wristwatch-type electronic device 10, the switchtransistor 16 is in off state, and no power is supplied to the IC-cardchip unit 11 from the battery 15.

Then, user U reaches gate G, for example, at time t1, and, when thewristwatch-type electronic device 10 enters the communication range ofthe external transmitter-receiver 90, an operation shown in FIG. 9 isinitiated.

First, at time t1 when analog receive signal ANT (only carrier at thispoint) is received from the external transmitter-receiver 90 through theantenna 12, the analog receive signal ANT is rectified by the rectifiercircuit 31 and supplied to the microprocessor 23 as direct power (VDD,VSS) through the smoothing condenser C2. Further, the carrier detector38 changes carrier detecting signal CRDET to level “H”.

During the period when the analog receive signal ANT is being received,the clock generator 36 performs an envelope waveform shaping of carrierincluded in the analog receive signal ANT. Gate signal is acquired bythe waveform shaping, the gate signal being made level “H” during theperiod of time that carrier is being input. The clock generator 36outputs clock signal CLOCK1 to the microprocessor 23 during the periodof time that the gate signal is at level “H”.

Since the IC-card chip unit 11 does not receive power supply from thebattery 15 at this time, the IC-card chip unit 11 operates on the directpower (VDD, VSS: referred to as carrier rectified power in FIG. 8)supplied from the rectifier circuit 31. Then, at time t2 when apredetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of receivingthe analog receive signal ANT is detected, the CPU 41 regards thereceive-mode-state signal as level “H” and enters a receive state.

Subsequently, the amplifier 32 amplifies analog receive signal inputfrom the antenna for output to the ASK demodulator 33. The ASKdemodulator 33 ASK demodulates the analog receive signal to generatereceive data for output to the microprocessor 23. Then, at time t3, whenit is found that no more digital receive signal is to be input to theASK demodulator 33, the CPU 41 changes the receive-mode-state signal tolevel “L” and enters a standby state.

At time t4, the CPU 41 changes the transmission-mode-state signal tolevel “H” and outputs transmission data to the ASK modulator 34 so as totransmit signal to the external transmitter-receiver 90. Subsequently,the ASK modulator 34 ASK modulates the transmission data given from theCPU 41 for output to the driving unit 35. The driving unit 35 generatesanalog transmission signal based on the transmit control signal andtransmits the generated signal to the external transmitter-receiver 90through the antenna 12. Then, when the outputting of the transmissiondata is completed at time t5, the CPU 41 changes the transmission modestate signal to level “L”.

Bi-directional data communications are thus performed between theIC-card chip unit 11 of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 and theexternal transmitter-receiver 90. The bi-directional data communicationsare repeated as many times as needed. Information as to transactions andfinal balance are exchanged through the bi-directional datacommunications between the external transmitter-receiver 90 and theIC-card chip unit 11, and in the IC-card chip unit 11 of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10, the transaction information arerecorded in the EEPROM 45, and data of the remaining value contained inthe prepaid card in the EEPROM 45 is updated. Further, the completion ofupdating the balance data is reported from the IC-card chip unit 11 tothe external transmitter-receiver 90 inside gate G.

At time t6, when no more carrier is input from the antenna 12, thecarrier detector 38 turning the carrier detection signal CRDET intolevel “L”, the CPU 41 of the IC-card chip unit 11 switches triggersignal to level “H” through the I/O unit 46, the trigger signal beingcontrol signal CTRL.

Subsequently, the clock oscillator 57 of the watch CPU 14 generatesclock signal CLOCK2 based on oscillation frequency of an externallyconnected crystal oscillator X for output to the microprocessor 23.Additionally, the power controller 54 turns on the switch transistor 16,so that power is supplied to the IC-card chip unit 11 from the battery15. Further, the watch CPU 14 changes the IC-card chip unit 11 to a datatransmission mode.

Then, at time t7, the CPU 41 of the microprocessor 23 reads data fromthe EEPROM 45 and transfers the data to the RAM 55 of the watch CPU 14through the I/O unit 46.

When the data is transferred by the CPU 41 and the transfer of the datais completed at time t8, the watch CPU 14 cancels the data transmissionmode at time t9. At the same time the power controller 54 turns off theswitch transistor 16, so that the power supply to the IC-card chip unit11 from the battery 15 is stopped.

At time t10, the CPU 51 of the watch CPU 14 conducts variousprocessings, for example, a format conversion of data that are receivedfrom the IC-card chip unit 11 and are stored in the RAM 55.

Then, at time till, when the processing on the data received from theIC-card chip unit 11 is completed, the CPU 51 controls the LCD driver 58while transferring the processed data to the LCD driver 58, so that thedata will be displayed on the LCD 17 during the period between time t12to time t13. In this case, the battery 15 is used as driving power forthe LCD 17. FIG. 10B shows examples of transaction information and theremaining value of the prepaid card displayed on the LCD 17 at thistime. To be more concrete, the fare (the amount used) of $5 from CentralStation to North Station as well as the value remaining in the prepaidcard, $95, are displayed.

When it turns to time t13 when an automatic data displaying time TDISPhas elapsed since time t12, where the TDISP has been set in advance forthe data confirmation, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 againenters a time displaying state (time displaying mode). As shown in FIG.10A, nothing is displayed on the LCD 17, and we can see through a dial71, an hour hand 72, a minute hand 73, and a second hand 74 that arepositioned in rear of the LCD 17.

When the user pushes down a display button 75 at a later time, forexample, at time t14, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 enters adata displaying mode (a manual data displaying mode) as shown in FIG. 8.The CPU 51 of the watch CPU 14 reads data that are received from theIC-card chip unit 11 and are stored in the RAM 55, and performs allsorts of processings such as a format conversion on the data to betransmitted to the LCD driver 58. As a result, the amount used mostrecently and the remaining value of the prepaid card are displayed onthe LCD 17 as shown in FIG. 10B.

Then, at time t15 when a pre-set display time has elapsed, thewristwatch-type electronic device 10 again enters a time displayingstate (time displaying mode).

In cases where the user pushes down the display button 75 even beforethe pre-set display time has elapsed, this action of pushing down thebutton causes the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 to enter a timedisplaying state (time displaying mode).

[1.5] Effects of the First Embodiment

The first embodiment as described above enables displaying of the storeddata contents on the spot without undermining mobility while maintainingthe specifications of the conventional contactless IC cards, thusenhancing operability for users.

Especially the effective utilization of power source such as the batteryof wearable electronic devices, a type of hand-held electronic devices,and the display function thereof enables displaying of data contentssuch as the remaining value and history of the contactless IC-card unitfor a certain period of time since the point of accessing the IC-card orat any time necessary by a switching operation, thus considerablyenhancing the convenience for users.

Furthermore, in cases where a wristwatch-type electronic device isconfigured as a wearable electronic device, the effects of aestheticdesign quality of the watch appearance and its display visibility can beachieved at the same time by combining time display hands and atransparent display element. The combination especially with alight-emitting display element increases the visibility in using thedevice, thus further enriching the effects.

[1.6] Modifications of the Embodiment

[1.6.1] First Modification

In the present modification, during the period when data communicationsare being performed between the wristwatch-type electronic device 10 andthe external transmitter-receiver 90, the watch CPU 14 of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10 suspends the operation of thestepping motor of the hand driving unit 18. After the datacommunications are completed, the watch CPU 14 transmits to the handdriving unit 18 an instruction for driving the stepping motor step bystep by the number of steps equivalent to the suspended period. Thepresent modification enables a more stable data communication because nodriving of the stepping motor for time display during datacommunications prevents electromagnetic noise from occurring.

[1.6.2] Second Modification

The above first embodiment shows a wristwatch-type electronic devicewhich performs an analog time display using an hour hand, a minute hand,and a second hand as an example. The present modification suggests awristwatch-type electronic device which performs digital display of thecurrent time. In the present modification, two types of LCD arepositioned under the cover plate of the wristwatch-type electronicdevice, one of which is a transparent LCD. The transparent LCD ispositioned right behind the cover plate for displaying data stored inthe IC-card unit such as remaining value of a prepaid card. The othertype of LCD is positioned further behind the transparent LCD fordisplaying the current time. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show display examplesof the wristwatch-type electronic device in the present modification. Inthe examples, the IC-card chip unit 11 functions as a prepaid card inthe same way as in the first embodiment.

In a time display state, the LCD 17 displays the current date and day(April 3, Sunday) and the current time (twelve o'clock thirty-sevenminutes forty-six seconds) as shown in FIG. 11A. When a user pushes downthe display button 75 in this state, the amount used most recently (thefare of $5 from Central Station to North Station) and the remainingvalue of the prepaid card ($95) are displayed on the LCD 17 in additionto the date, day, and current time, as shown in FIG. 1B.

[1.6.3] Third Modification

In the above embodiment, a description is given as to a wristwatch-typeelectronic device, but the present invention can be also applied to acompact hand-held electronic device comprising a display unit and anindependent power source (battery) exclusively for the display unit.

[1.6.4] Fourth Modification

Various embodiments of a compact hand-held electronic device can beenvisioned such as a calculator, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), atranslator, a pedometer, and a portable sphygmomanometer. Thoseembodiments may employ various modes such as necklace-type,pendant-type, and others.

[1.6.5] Fifth Modification

While in the above embodiment power is supplied from the battery to theIC-card chip unit when data are read out from the non-volatile memory ofthe IC-card chip unit, power may be supplied also when the IC-card chipunit transmits data signal to the external transmitter-receiver. Bydoing so, it is possible to increase the transmission power of theIC-card chip unit as well as the degree of modulation, thereby extendinga communication range.

[2] Second Embodiment

[2.1] Summary of Configuration

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10A which is a second embodiment of the presentinvention. The wristwatch-type electronic device 10A is broadly dividedinto an IC-card chip unit 11A for carrying out an IC-card function; anantenna 12 that is connected to the IC-card chip unit 11A; a crystalliquid display (LCD) 17 for performing display operations of every kind;a watch CPU 14 that is connected to the IC-card chip unit 11A through adata interface 13 and controls the entire wristwatch-type electronicdevice, timekeeping operations, and displaying operations of the LCD 17;a battery 15 for supplying power to the wristwatch-type electronicdevice 10A; and a switch transistor 66 for controlling power supply tothe IC-card chip unit 11A from the battery 15 based on control signalfrom a carrier detector as will be described hereinafter.

The IC-card chip unit 11A comprises an RF unit 21 for receiving receivesignal input through the antenna 12; a carrier detector 65 forperforming carrier detection of analog receive signal input through theantenna 12; and a microprocessor 23 for controlling the entire IC-cardchip unit 11A.

[2.2] Detailed Configuration

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a detailed configuration of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10A.

In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are employed for the same partsas the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and a detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, power is supplied from the battery 15 to theRF unit 21 when it operates.

The RF unit 21 comprises a carrier detector 65 for performing carrierdetection of analog receive signal input through the antenna 12; anamplifier 32 for amplifying the analog receive signal input through theantenna 12, for output; an ASK demodulator 33 for ASK demodulating theanalog receive signal for output as receive data; an ASK modulator 34for ASK modulating transmission data entered from the microprocessor 23for output as transmit control signal; a driving unit 35 for generatinganalog transmission signal based on the transmit control signal; a clockgenerator 36 for forming clock pulses CLOCK1 based on the analog receivesignal entered through the antenna 12; and a reset signal generator 37for generating reset signal RESET based on the analog receive signalentered through the antenna 12.

In this case, the configuration of the carrier detector 65 is same asthe configuration of the carrier detector 38 shown in FIG. 6.

Of these components, while power is supplied from the battery 15 at alltimes to the carrier detector 65, it is when carrier is detected by thecarrier detector 65 and carrier detection signal changes to level “L”,causing the switch transistor 66 to be turned on, that power is suppliedfrom the battery 15 to the amplifier 32, the ASK demodulator 33, the ASKmodulator 34, the driving unit 35, the clock generator 36, and the resetsignal generator 37.

[2.3] Operation

Next, an operation of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10A will bedescribed.

When analog receive signal (only carrier at this point) is input from anexternal transmitter-receiver 90 (refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) through acoil L and a tuning capacitor C1 of the antenna 12, the carrier detector65 detects carrier and outputs carrier detecting signal CRDET of level“L”.

Subsequently, the switch transistor 66 turns an ON state, which in turncauses power supply from the battery 15 to the amplifier 32, the ASKdemodulator 33, the ASK modulator 34, the driving unit 35, the clockgenerator 36, and the reset signal generator 37, all of which are thenmade an operative state.

As analog receive signal is input, the clock generator 36 generatesclock signal CLOCK1 for output to the microprocessor 23 during theperiod when carrier is being input.

When a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the incoming ofthe carrier is detected, the IC-card chip unit 11A enters a receivingstate.

Subsequently, the amplifier 32 amplifies the analog receive signal foroutput to the ASK demodulator 33.

The ASK demodulator 33 ASK demodulates the analog receive signal intoreceive data for output to the microprocessor 23.

When no more digital receive signal is input, the ASK demodulator 33enters a standby state.

Subsequently, the CPU 41 outputs transmission data to the ASK modulator34 so as to transmit signal to an external card reader/writer (notshown).

Subsequently, the ASK modulator 34 ASK modulates the transmission datainput by the CPU 41 into transmit control signal for output to thedriving unit 35.

The driving unit 35 generates analog transmission signal based on thetransmit control signal for output to the antenna 12, through which thesignal is transmitted to the external card reader/writer.

When no more carrier is input from the antenna 12, carrier detectingsignal CRDET turning level “H” at the carrier detector 65, the switchtransistor 66 becomes an OFF state. As a result, power supply from thebattery 15 to the amplifier 32, the ASK demodulator 33, the ASKmodulator 34, the driving unit 35, the clock generator 36, and the resetsignal generator 37 will be suspended, and these parts become aninoperative state.

The CPU 41 of the microprocessor 23 then reads data for display from theEEPROM 45, and the data are transferred through the I/O unit 46 to theRAM 55 of the watch CPU 14.

The CPU 41 conducts the data transfer, and when the data transfer iscomplete, a data transfer mode is cancelled.

Further, the CPU 51 of the watch CPU 14 performs all sorts ofprocessings such as format conversion of data that are received from theIC-card chip unit 11 and are stored in the RAM 55.

When the processings on the data from the IC-card chip unit 11A arecompleted, the CPU 51 transfers the processed data to the LCD driver 58and controls the LCD driver 58 in the meantime so as to display the dataon the LCD 17.

[2.4] Effects of the Second Embodiment

The present embodiment inhibits the unnecessary increase in electricpower consumption because power is supplied to the RF unit from abattery exclusively for time display when the incoming of carrier fromoutside is detected. Additionally, utilizing power from the battery whenmodulating data enables the increase in the degree of modulation ortransmission power, thus extending the communication range. As a result,the convenience for users is enhanced.

Further, the present embodiment prevents leakage current from the powersource for time display when the IC-card chip unit is in an inoperativemode because power source is controlled through the switch transistor soas to supply power for time display to the IC-card chip unit only whendata is read from the IC-card chip unit to the watch CPU and the likefor the purpose of displaying data.

Further, it is possible to control leakage current at the IC-card chipunit while in the inoperative state, by continuously or intermittentlyoperating at least the carrier detecting circuit among the components ofthe IC-card chip unit by the power source for time display and, for theother components, supplying power from the power source for time displayat the point where carrier is detected. In this case, the carrierdetector utilizes a watch IC technique, thereby enabling the change ofthe operating current to several microampere (μA) order.

Further, since the carrier detecting circuit detects presence or absenceof electromagnetic carrier and performs a switching operation of theoperational mode of the IC-card chip unit, it is possible to switch theoperational mode easily at a relevant timing. In this case,communication between the IC-card chip unit and an external device isnot hindered because data is transmitted, with timing of havingtransferred from a carrier detecting state to a carrier non-detectingstate, between the microprocessor of the IC-card chip unit and anotherpart of the wristwatch-type electronic device such as the watch CPU.

[2.5] Modifications of the Second Embodiment

[2.5.1] First Modification

In the above embodiment, a description is given as to a wristwatch-typeelectronic device, but the present invention can be also applied to acompact hand-held electronic device comprising a display unit and anindependent power (battery) for the display unit.

[2.5.2] Second Modification

Various embodiments of a compact hand-held electronic device can beenvisioned such as a calculator, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), atranslator, a pedometer, and a portable sphygmomanometer. Thoseembodiments may employ various modes such as necklace-type,pendant-type, and others.

[3] Third Embodiment

[3.1] Configuration

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10B, which is a third embodiment ofthe present invention. In FIG. 14, the same parts as the firstembodiments are given the same reference numerals, and a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 14, the following points are different from the first embodimentshown in FIG. 3:

in the above first embodiment, the power source unit 22 generatesdriving power from receive signal input through the antenna 12, forsupply to the entire IC-card chip unit 11. On the other hand, a powersource unit 22B is provided in the present embodiment instead of thepower source unit 22 in the first embodiment, and the power source unit22B generates driving power from receive signal input through an antenna12 and supplies the generated power to an RF unit 21;

in the present embodiment, a level shifter 63 is added for adapting thevoltage level of output signal of the RF unit 21 to the voltage level ofthe microprocessor 23;

in the above first embodiment, the switch transistor 16 is provided forcontrolling power supply from the battery 15 to the IC-card chip unit 11if necessary. On the other hand, no switch transistor 16 is provided inthe present embodiment; and

in the present embodiment, power is supplied to the level shifter 63 andthe microprocessor 23 from the battery 15.

[3.2] Operation

Next, an operation of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10B will bedescribed. In the following descriptions, an operation of the IC-cardchip unit 11B as of the input of analog receive signal will be mainlydescribed because the operation in transmitting analog transmissionsignal, the operation of the microprocessor of the IC-card chip unit11B, and the operation of the watch CPU are the same as those of thefirst embodiment.

When analog receive signal (only carrier at this point) is input from anexternal card reader/writer (not shown) through a coil L and a tuningcapacitor C1 of the antenna 12, a rectifier circuit 31 rectifies theanalog receive signal for supply to the RF unit 21 as direct power (VDD,VSS) through a smoothing condenser C2.

When a predetermined time has elapsed after the incoming of the carrierwas detected, the IC-card chip unit 11B enters a receiving state andoutputs the received data to the level shifter 63.

The level shifter 63 adapts the voltage level of the received data tothe voltage level of the microprocessor 23 for output to themicroprocessor 23.

Subsequently, the microprocessor 23 operates on power supplied from thebattery 15 and performs various processings on the received data.

When no more digital receive signal is input, the microprocessor 23enters a standby state.

[3.3] Effects of the Embodiment

The third embodiment as described above enables a more stable operationof the microprocessor 23 of the IC-card chip unit 11B since it operateson power constantly supplied from the battery 15.

Further, the RF unit, whose leakage current is relatively high duringits inoperative state, utilizes power generated by rectifyingelectromagnetic carrier transmitted from outside; and the microprocessorof the IC-card chip unit, whose leakage current is relatively low duringits inoperative state, utilizes power for time display, thus enablingthe controlling of leakage current by a simple configuration and thetransfer of data to the watch CPU in a state where no power is generatedby rectifying electromagnetic carrier.

[3.4] Modifications of the Second Embodiment

[3.4.1] First Modification

In the above embodiment, a description is given as to a wristwatch-typeelectronic device, but the present invention can be also applied to acompact hand-held electronic device comprising a display unit and anindependent power (battery) for the display unit.

[3.4.2] Second Modification

Various embodiments of a compact hand-held electronic device can beenvisioned such as a calculator, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), atranslator, a pedometer, and a portable sphygmomanometer. Thoseembodiments may employ various modes such as necklace-type,pendant-type, and others.

[4] Fourth Embodiment

In the above first to third embodiments, the IC-card chip unit whichimplements the same functions as contactless IC cards is mounted on ahand-held information device equipped with a liquid crystal display oran organic electroluminescence (EL) light-emitting display fordisplaying various information, thereby enabling a user to confirminformation on the amount used and the remaining value stored in acontactless IC card.

However, the display devices such as a liquid crystal display and anorganic EL light-emitting display operate in digital control andgenerate electromagnetic noise during the operation. There are variouscauses for the electromagnetic noise, among which this type ofelectromagnetic noise occurs when alternating waveform is applied to adisplay panel of the liquid crystal display or organic EL light-emittingdisplay, or when an ON/OFF switching operation of a boosting circuit forboosting the driving power of the display panel is performed. When thistype of electromagnetic noise occurs from a display device, transmissionsensitivity of the IC-card chip unit is deteriorated, by which acommunication range is decreased and possible communication errors cantake place.

This problem is aggravated especially in a wristwatch-shaped hand-heldinformation device, which is too compact to position a display unit of aliquid crystal display or an organic EL light-emitting display and theantenna of an IC-card chip unit away from each other.

The present embodiment offers a suggestion for such a problem. Thepresent embodiment provides a hand-held information device capable ofinhibiting the deterioration of communication sensitivity, the decreaseof a communication range, and the communication errors of the IC-cardchip unit even in cases where a display unit of the hand-heldcommunication device and the antenna of the IC-card chip unit cannot bepositioned apart from each other due to the limited size of the device.

[4.1] Summary of Configuration

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10C which is a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. Like the wristwatch-type electronic device in the above firstto fourth embodiments, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Cperforms contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver provided with gate G as shown in FIG. 1. Theexternal transmitter-receiver is configured basically in the same way asthe external transmitter-receiver 90 as shown in the aforementioned FIG.2. Therefore, the external transmitter-receiver that communicates withthe wristwatch-type electronic device 10C will be hereinafter referredto as the external transmitter-receiver 90. Also, FIG. 2 will bereferred to if necessary in describing the operation of the externaltransmitter-receiver 90.

As shown in FIG. 15, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C comprisesan antenna 121, a switching circuit 122, a receiving circuit 123, atransmitting circuit 124, and a central control circuit 125.

The switching circuit 122 is a device for selecting either an inputterminal of the receiving circuit 123 or an output terminal of thetransmitting circuit 124 to connect the selected terminal to the antenna121. The receiving circuit 123 demodulates signal from the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 (refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) received throughthe antenna 121 based on oscillation signal SVCO from the transmittingcircuit 124, for output to the central control circuit 125 as receivedata DRX. The transmitting circuit 124 modulates transmission data DTXinput from the central control circuit 125 based on synthesizer controlsignal SSY input from the central control circuit 125, for output to theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 through the antenna 121.

The central control circuit 125 controls the entire wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10C.

Further, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C comprises a singingunit 126, a driving circuit 126D, a vibration informing unit 127, adriving circuit 127D, light-emission informing unit 128, a drivingcircuit 128D, a display unit 129, a driving circuit 129D, an externaloperation inputting unit 130, an oscillator 131, a standard signalgenerating circuit 132, a non-volatile memory 133, and a battery 134.

The singing unit 126 is driven by the driving circuit 126D under thecontrol of the central control unit 125 and informs a user of varioussituations by means of a buzzer or electric sound. The vibrationinforming unit 127 is driven by the driving circuit 127D under thecontrol of the central control unit 125 and informs a user of varioussituations by means of vibration. The light-emission informing unit 128is provided with light emitting elements such as light emitting diode(LED), driven by the driving circuit 128D under the control of thecentral control unit 125 and informs a user of various situations bymeans of light. The display unit 129 is composed of a liquid crystaldisplay panel and others and displays various information driven by thedriving circuit 129D under the control of the central control circuit125. The external operation inputting unit 130 comprises buttons and atouch panel, by which a user performs various operations. The standardsignal generating circuit 132 outputs various standard signal generatedbased on source oscillation signal generated by the oscillator 131. Thenon-volatile memory 133 comprises EEPROM or a flash memory and storesvarious data such as an identification number unique to thewristwatch-type electronic device 10C and receive data. The battery 134supplies power to the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C.

While power for the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C is usuallysupplied from the battery 134, it is possible, in cases where datacommunication is performed with the external transmitter-receiver 90(refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) as in the case of conventional contactlessIC cards, to rectify carrier wave (carrier signal) transmitted from theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 into driving power.

Further, in the central control circuit 125, it is possible to containan encryption circuit for encrypting data if necessary.

[4.2] Configurations of Receiving Circuit and Transmitting Circuit

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the antenna 121,the switching circuit 122, the receiving circuit 123 and thetransmitting circuit 124. As shown in FIG. 16, the antenna 121 comprisesan antenna body 121A and an antenna filter 121B. The antenna filter 121Beliminates unnecessary elements from receive signal of the antenna body121A to output only the necessary elements to the receiving circuit 123.Further, the antenna filter 121B eliminates unnecessary elements fromoutput signal from the transmitting circuit 124 to output only thenecessary elements to the antenna body 121A.

At receiving circuit 123, an RF amplifier 123A amplifies high frequencyof signal received by the antenna 121, for output to a mixer 123C.Oscillation signal SVCO is supplied to the mixer 123C from thetransmitting circuit 124 through the buffer 123B. The mixer 123C mixesthe oscillation signal SVCO with output signal of the RF amplifier 123A,for output to a band-pass filter 123D.

The band-pass filter 123D selects intermediate-frequency (IF) signalfrom among the output signal of the mixer 123C, for output to the IFamplifier 123E. The IF amplifier 123E amplifies the IF signal for outputto the demodulating circuit 123F. The demodulating circuit 123Fdemodulates receive data DRX from the IF signal, for output to thecentral control circuit 125.

At the transmitting circuit 124, a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit 124A,a low-pass filter 124B, and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 124Econstitute a circuit for generating the above-mentioned oscillationsignal SVCO. The frequency of the oscillation signal SVCO is determinedby synthesizer control signal SSY.

The modulating circuit 124H modulates carrier by transmission data DTXsupplied from the central control circuit 125 to output IF signal. TheIF signal is supplied to the mixer 124G through an IF amplifier 124C anda low-pass filter 124D. The mixer 124G mixes oscillation signal SVCOfrom the VCO 124E with the IF signal to output high-frequency signal.The high-frequency signal is amplified by a power amplifier 124F to besupplied to the antenna 121 through the switching circuit 122.

[4.3] Configuration of Display Unit and its Peripherals

FIG. 17A is a plan view showing the display unit and its peripheralsaccommodated in a wristwatch-type electronic device. FIG. 17B is asection along the line I–I′ of FIG. 17A.

A circuit board 140 is fixed inside the wristwatch-type electronicdevice as shown. Among the two side of the circuit board 140, an IC chip141 is mounted on the side with a watch dial (hereinafter will bereferred to as front side), and a battery 134 is positioned on the backside. The IC chip 141 contains a receiving circuit 123, a transmittingcircuit 124, a central control circuit 125, driving circuits 126D, 127D,128D, 129D, a non-volatile memory 133, and others, to which powervoltage is supplied from the battery 134. A liquid crystal display panel129A, a display unit, is fixed so as to face the front side of thecircuit board 140. The liquid crystal display panel 129A is connectedwith the circuit board 140 through a continuity terminal 129B. Further,an electroluminescent (EL) sheet 129C for backlighting the liquidcrystal display panel 129A is positioned on the back side thereof. Onthe front side of the circuit board 140, a loop antenna 121 has beenplaced to form a loop around the liquid crystal display panel 129A.

In the present embodiment, the loop antenna 121 is provided on the frontside (the side with a watch dial) of the circuit board 140. In otherwords, both the liquid crystal display panel 129A and the loop antenna121 are placed on the front side of the circuit board 140, inevitablycausing the antenna and the external transmitter-receiver 90 to beplaced adjacent to each other. This is because it is required to bringthe antenna as close as possible to the external transmitter-receiver 90due to a small communication range thereof, as mentioned already.

Furthermore, the loop antenna 121 is placed so as to surround the liquidcrystal display panel 129A because the larger the loop area is, thehigher antenna gain can be achieved. It is better if the loop antenna121 is placed as close as possible to the rim of the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10C.

The number of turns for the loop antenna 121 is about several turns whenthe short-wave frequency band of 13.56 [MHz] is used for communication,and about several tens of turns when the long-wave frequency band of 125[kHz] or 134 [kHz] is used.

Thus, the number of turns should be several tens of turns when using thelong-wave frequency band. However, the area of the circuit board 140 istoo small to form a copper pattern on the circuit board 140 so as toconfigure a loop antenna of several tens of turns. Therefore, in thecase of using high-wave band, a solenoid loop antenna 121A will beconfigured by winding a copper wire and the like several tens of turnsperpendicular to the diameter of the loop as shown in FIG. 18A and FIG.18B.

[4.4] Operation of the Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of data communicationsbetween the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C and the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 with respect to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the external transmitter-receiver 90 repeatedlytransmits polling signal (communication request) at a predeterminedcycle through an asynchronous protocol (step S101). To be more concrete,the control unit 93 of the external transmitter-receiver 90 causes thetransmitting circuit 94 to generate polling signal and keepstransmitting the polling signal through the high-frequency circuit 96and the antenna 97. When the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Centers a communication range of the external transmitter-receiver 90 andreceives the polling signal, it suspends a display operation to start acommunication and transmits data for mutual authentication to theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 (step S102).

The procedure then advances to the mutual authentication period; theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 detects that the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10C has entered in its own communication range andtransmits data for mutual authentication to the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10C (step S103).

The wristwatch-type electronic device 10C, upon receiving the data formutual authentication from the external transmitter-receiver 90,transmits to the external transmitter-receiver 90 response data to theeffect that the mutual authentication has completed (step S104).

After this, the procedure advances to a reading period, in which theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 transmits read request data so as toread data from the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C (step S105).

Having received the request, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Creads data from a memory address of the non-volatile memory 133corresponding to the read request data to transmit the data to theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 (step S106).

The procedure then proceeds to a determining period, in which theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 identifies from the transmitted data adata type such as train tickets or prepaid cards, expiration, and thelike to determine whether the requested transaction is possible (stepS107).

Then, the procedure advances to a writing period, where the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 transmits to the wristwatch-type electronicdevice 10C data such as remaining value that need to be updated (stepS108).

Having received the data, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Ctransmits to the external transmitter-receiver 90 response data to theeffect that it has received the data (step S109), and the communicationends.

The procedure then transfers to an internal processing period, and thewristwatch-type electronic device 10C writes data such as remainingvalue that need to be updated into a corresponding memory address of thenon-volatile memory 133. The external transmitter-receiver 90 confirmsthat the data transfer to the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C iscompleted to prepare itself for a next polling process (step S110).

The display operation of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Cremains suspended throughout the procedure during the periods of themutual authentication, reading, determining, writing, and internalprocessing. When the internal processing period ends, the displayoperation is resumed in the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing operational examples of the presentembodiment further in detail.

The wristwatch-type electronic device 10C constantly monitors forpolling signal from the antenna 97 of the external transmitter-receiver90 (step S2). When the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C is out ofthe communication range of the external transmitter-receiver 90 and doesnot receive polling signal, a display operation is performed on theliquid crystal display panel 129A. The diagram of waveform shown in theleft half portion of the FIG. 21 shows the waveform of driving signalwhich drives the liquid crystal display panel 129A by a static drivesystem in order to perform a display operation.

When the static driving operation is being performed, control signal Sis at level “L”, and the voltage waveform of a common electrode that isoutput from the driving circuit 129D is a rectangular-pulse waveformwhich changes between 0[V] and E[V]. On the other hand, the voltagewaveform of a segment electrode is also a rectangular-pulse waveformwhich changes between 0[V] and EM, but is 180 degrees out of phase fromthe voltage waveform of the common electrode. Therefore, the voltagewaveform of a voltage applied across the common and the segmentelectrode is a rectangular-pulse waveform which changes between −E[V]and +E[V] as shown in the figure, thereby lighting segments of theliquid crystal display panel 129A to display a time. In other words, inthe case of static driving, segments are lighted when the potentialdifference applied across the common and the segment electrode is equalto or larger than a predetermined potential difference. In this case,alternating waveform is applied as shown in FIG. 21 because continuousapplication of direct voltage to liquid crystal causes electrochemicalreaction, thereby deteriorating the characteristics of the liquidcrystal. However, the application of alternating waveform causeselectromagnetic noises from the charge/discharge current of the liquidcrystal display panel 129A or a boosting circuit contained in thedriving circuit 129D. If a data communication is performed when such anoise is taking place, the data communication is adversely affected bythe noise.

Returning to the description of the flow chart shown in FIG. 20, theuser brings the dial of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C closeto the loop antenna 97 (refer to FIG. 2) in passing gate G (refer toFIG. 1)(step S1). When the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C entersthe communication range of the external transmitter-receiver 90, pollingsignal therefrom being transmitted, the polling signal is input to thereceiving circuit 123 through the antenna body 121A, the antenna filter121B, and the switching circuit 122 (refer to FIG. 16) of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10C. When the polling signal isnormally received by the receiving circuit 123, receive data DRXcorresponding to the polling signal being output to the central controlcircuit 125, the central control circuit 125 determines that it hasreceived the polling signal (step S2; YES) and changes control signal Sthat is output to the driving circuit 129D to level “H”, therebysuspending a time display operation (step S3).

FIG. 21 shows changes in the driving signal waveform of the liquidcrystal display panel 129A in a case where the operation of changing thecontrol signal S from level “L” to “H” is performed at time t1. As shownin the right half portion of FIG. 21, since when the control signal S ismade level “H”, the voltage waveform of the common electrode output fromthe driving circuit 129D is 0[V], so is the voltage waveform of thesegment electrode. As a result, the potential difference of voltageapplied across the common and the segment electrode disappears, therebystopping the time display of the liquid crystal display 129A. However,the timekeeping operation is maintained by the central control circuit125 even when the time display has been suspended with the lighting ofthe liquid crystal display panel 129A shutoff.

Returning to FIG. 20, after the display at the liquid crystal displaypanel 129A is suspended, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Cperforms mutual authentication between itself and the externaltransmitter-receiver 90, and the external transmitter-receiver 90confirms an ID number NID of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C(step S4).

To illustrate, the control unit 93 of the external transmitter-receiver90 requests the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C to transmit the IDnumber NID of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C.

In other words, the control unit 93 of the external transmitter-receiver90 transmits ID information requesting signal as transmit signal throughthe transmitting circuit 94, the high-frequency circuit 96, and theantenna 97.

On the other hand, in the wristwatch-type electronic device 10C, the IDinformation requesting signal is input to the receiving circuit 123through the antenna body 121A and the antenna filter 121B of the antenna121, and the switching circuit 122. When receive data DRX correspondingto the ID information requesting signal is output from the receivingcircuit 123, the central control circuit 125 reads the ID number NIDfrom the non-volatile memory 133, before outputting transmission dataDTX corresponding to the ID number NID to the modulating circuit 124Hand synthesizer control signal SSY to the PLL circuit 124A (refer toFIG. 16). As a result, response signal corresponding to the ID numberNID is output from the power amplifier 124F (FIG. 16), being transmittedas transmission signal to the external transmitter-receiver 90 throughthe switching circuit 122 and the antenna 121.

When the ID number NID is confirmed at the external transmitter-receiver90, data is exchanged in the same procedure as the above, the data beingrequired for identifying incoming and outgoing users (step S5). When thedata exchange is completed, the central control circuit 125 writes inthe non-volatile memory 133 necessary changes in flag and data ofremaining value of the prepaid card (step S6).

When the data writing is completed, the central control circuit 125changes the control signal S again to level “L” so as to light theliquid crystal display panel 129A (step S7). As already described, thetimekeeping operation is maintained even when the time display issuspended with the lighting of the liquid crystal display panel 129Ashutoff. Therefore, when a display operation is resumed, a precise timeappears on the display right away.

The access to the gate is thus controlled, and in this example it isless than about 200 milliseconds required for the series of theprocedure from the receiving of polling signal to the writing of data tothe non-volatile memory of the wristwatch-type electronic device,thereby causing no practical trouble.

While power is supplied from a battery only during the period when areceiving and a transmitting circuit of the wristwatch-type electronicdevice performs a contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver in the present embodiment, it is possible toconstantly supply power from the battery to the receiving and thetransmitting circuit.

[4.5] Effects of the Embodiment

In the present embodiment, the suspension of a display operation at thedisplay portion during data communication prevents the noise thatadversely affects the data communication from occurring. Therefore, itis possible to inhibit the deterioration of communication sensitivityand the decrease of a communication range, thereby enabling to preventcommunication errors.

[4.6] Modifications

FIG. 22 is an example of a modification of the fourth embodiment.

The present modification differs from the embodiment in FIG. 15 in thatthe driving power for an IC card function unit for implementing acontactless IC card function is acquired by rectifying carrier from anexternal transmitter-receiver and that an encryption processing circuitfor encrypting data is provided.

The IC card function unit 150 comprises an antenna 121, a tuningcapacitor 151, a rectifier circuit 152, a demodulator 154, a modulator155, a standard signal generating circuit 156, a parallel/serialbi-directional converter (SP/PS converter)157, a radio unit centralcontrol circuit 158, a non-volatile memory 159, and an encryptionprocessing circuit 160.

The antenna 121 is a loop antenna. The tuning capacitor 151 functions asa tank circuit in cooperation with the antenna 121. The rectifiercircuit 152 rectifies carrier received from the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 for supply as power to the supplied power unit153.

The demodulator 154 demodulates digital modulated receive signal inputthrough the antenna 121 and outputs the demodulated receive signal asserial format receive data DSRX to the parallel/serial bi-directionalconverter 157.

The modulator 155 modulates serial format transmission data DSTX inputfrom the parallel/serial bi-directional converter 157 (as will bedescribed hereinafter) into digital signal and transmits the signal tothe external transmitter-receiver 90 through the antenna 121.

The standard signal generating circuit 156 generates standard signal(standard clock signal) synchronized to carrier and outputs thegenerated standard signal to the parallel/serial bi-directionalconverter 157 and the radio unit central control circuit 158.

The parallel/serial bi-directional converter 157 converts receive signalDSRX from serial to parallel format for output as parallel-formatreceive data to the radio unit central control circuit 158. Theconverter 157 also converts the parallel-format transmission data DPTXinput from the radio unit central control circuit 158 into data inserial format for output as serial format transmission data DSTX to themodulator 155.

The radio unit central control circuit 158 controls the entire IC cardfunction unit 150 and exchanges various data including receive data DRXand transmission data DTX between itself and the central control circuit125.

The non-volatile memory 159 stores various data.

The encryption processing circuit 160 encrypts various data input fromthe radio unit central control circuit 158 before storing the data inthe non-volatile memory 159, and reads out data to be processed by theradio unit central control circuit 158 from the non-volatile memory 159and decrypts the data for output.

Next, an operation of the present modification will be described.

The rectifier circuit 152 of the IC card function unit 150 rectifiescarrier received from the external transmitter-receiver 90 for supply aspower to the supplied power unit 153. As a result, the supplied powerunit 153 starts operating.

When the power is supplied, the standard signal generating circuit 156generates standard signal (standard clock signal) for output to theparallel/serial bi-directional converter 157 and the radio unit centralcontrol circuit 158.

Further, the demodulator 154 demodulates polling signal (communicationrequesting signal) that are transmitted as induction field from theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 and have been digital modulated bymodulation methods such as an amplitude shift keying (ASK) and afrequency shift keying (FSK), for output to the parallel/serialbi-directional converter 157 as serial format receive data DSRX.

The parallel/serial bi-directional converter 157 converts receive dataDSRX from a serial to a parallel format based on the input standardsignal and outputs as parallel format receive data DPRX to the radiounit central control circuit 158.

The radio unit central control circuit 158, upon receiving receive dataDPRX corresponding to the polling signal, performs mutual authenticationbetween itself and the external transmitter-receiver 90 through theparallel/serial bi-directional converter 157, the modulator 155, theantenna 121, and the demodulator 154, before reading data through theencryption processing circuit 160 from a memory address of thenon-volatile memory 159 specified by the external transmitter-receiver90. In this case, because the subject data are to be transmitted to theexternal transmitter-receiver 90, the encryption processing circuit 160does not perform decryption.

The read data are synchronized to the standard signal by the radio unitcentral control circuit 158 and output to the parallel/serialbi-directional converter 157 as transmission data DPTX.

The parallel/serial bi-directional converter 157 converts transmissiondata DPTX from a parallel to a serial format and outputs to themodulator 155 as serial format transmission data DSTX.

The modulator 155 has a tank circuit consisting of the antenna 121 andthe tuning capacitor 151. The resonance frequency of the tank circuit iscontrolled by transmission data DSTX. This control of frequency causessignal that is PSK-modulated by the transmission data DSTX to be outputfrom the modulator 155 and transmitted through the antenna 121.

[5] Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, a configuration of an entire datacommunication system is basically same as each of the above embodiments,except that the external transmitter-receiver PSK modulates carrier bytransmission data and transmits the modulated carrier to thewristwatch-type electronic device and that the receive signal from thewristwatch-type electronic device is ASK modulated so as to recoverreceive data.

[5.1] Summary of Configuration

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10D with respect to the present invention. Thewristwatch-type electronic device 10D comprises an antenna 171, a powercircuit 172, a carrier detecting circuit 173, an amplitude shift keying(ASK) demodulating circuit 174, an ASK modulating circuit 175, a clockgenerating circuit 176, an IC card controlling circuit 177, and anon-volatile memory 178.

The power circuit 172 rectifies high-frequency current that flowsthrough the antenna 171 when receiving, and supplies it as driving powerfor transmitting and receiving operations of an IC card unit 179.

The carrier detecting circuit 173 detects for incoming carrier of apredetermined frequency, that is, whether any transmission is made tothe wristwatch-type electronic device 10D.

The ASK demodulating circuit 174, the ASK modulating circuit, the clockgenerating circuit 176, and the non-volatile 178 constitute the IC cardunit 179.

The ASK demodulating circuit 174 demodulates receive data DRX out ofreceive signal of the antenna 171 for output. The ASK modulating circuit175 ASK modulates carrier of a predetermined frequency by transmissiondata DTX, and outputs the modulated carrier as transmission signal. Theclock generating circuit 176 generates high-frequency clock signal fromthe received wave carrier for output.

The IC card controlling circuit 177 controls the entire IC card unit179. The IC card controlling circuit 177 is also provided with anencryption circuit 177A, by which encrypted receive data are decryptedand transmission data are encrypted.

The non-volatile memory 178 stores various data in a non-volatilemanner. For the sake of security, data having monetary value andsignificant data are stored as-encrypted, those data being decrypted atthe encryption circuit 177A only when processed.

Further, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D comprises a singingunit 126 and its driving circuit 126D, a vibration informing unit 127and its driving circuit 127D, a light emission informing unit 128 andits driving circuit 128D, a display unit 129 and its driving circuit129D, an external operation inputting unit 130, an oscillator 131, astandard signal generating circuit 132, a battery 134, and a watchcontrol circuit 135.

The driving circuits 126D, 127D, 128D, and 129D, and the standard signalgenerating circuit 132, and the watch control circuit 135 constitute aninforming/timekeeping control unit 180.

The singing unit 126 is driven by the driving circuit 126D under thecontrol of the watch control circuit 135 and informs a user of the stateof the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D by a buzzer or anelectronic beeper.

The vibration informing unit 127 is driven by the driving circuit 127Dunder the control of the watch control circuit 135 and informs a user ofthe state of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D by vibration.

The light emission informing unit 128 is driven by the driving circuit128D under the control of the watch control circuit 135 and informs auser of the state of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D by light.

The display unit 129 is driven by the driving circuit 129D under thecontrol of the watch control circuit 135 and displays variousinformation.

The external operation inputting unit 130 is for users' performingvarious operations and informs the state of an operation to the watchcontrol circuit 135.

The standard signal generating circuit 132 generates various standardsignal based on the oscillation signal generated by an oscillator 131and outputs the signal to the watch control circuit 135.

The battery 134 supplies driving power to the informing/timekeepingcontrol unit 180, the singing unit 126, the vibration informing unit127, the light emission informing unit 128, the display unit 129, andthe external operation inputting unit 130.

[5.2] Operation of the Embodiment

Next, an operation of the fifth embodiment will be described. Theoperation of the present embodiment follows the flow chart shown in FIG.20 as in the above fourth embodiment.

The watch control circuit 135 of the wristwatch-type electronic device10D, by always monitoring whether carrier is detected by the carrierdetecting circuit 173, determines whether it has received polling signaltransmitted from the external transmitter-receiver 90 by an asynchronousprotocol (step S2). In cases where the wristwatch-type electronic device10D is away from gate G, so that the wave from the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 does not reach the wristwatch-type electronicdevice 10D, the result of the determination in step S2 turns to be “NO”and the determination is repeated. At this time, the wristwatch-typeelectronic device 10D is in a standby state and performing a timedisplay operation. Further, when the wave from the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 does not reach the wristwatch-type electronicdevice 10D, power is not supplied to the IC card unit 179 of thewristwatch-type electronic device 10D.

Then, when a user passes gate G (refer to FIG. 1) and brings the dialside of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D close to the loopantenna 97 (FIG. 2) of an external transmitter-receiver 90 (step S1),the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D enters the communication rangeof the external transmitter-receiver 90. As a result, polling signalfrom the external transmitter-receiver 90 is received by the antenna171, and a result of the determination at step S2 turns out “YES”. Thewatch control circuit 135 thereby changes control signal S to be outputto the driving circuit 129D to level “H” and stops time display (stepS3). Further, when the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D enters thecommunication range of the external transmitter-receiver 90,high-frequency current that flows through the antenna 171 by receivingdata from the external transmitter-receiver 90 is rectified by the powercircuit 172, and power obtained as a result thereof is supplied to theIC card unit 179. The IC card unit 179 operates on the power andperforms data communication with the external transmitter-receiver 90 asfollows.

First of all, the external transmitter-receiver 90 and the IC card unit179 perform mutual authentication, and the external transmitter-receiver90 confirms the ID number NID of the IC card unit 179 (step S4).

To be more concrete, the control unit 93 of the externaltransmitter-receiver 90 transmits an ID information requesting signalfor requesting the ID number NID of the IC card unit 179 through thetransmission circuit 94, the high-frequency circuit 96, and the antenna97 (refer to FIG. 2).

The power circuit 172 of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10Drectifies alternating current that flows through the antenna 171 whenreceiving the signal, for supply to the IC card unit 179.

The ASK demodulating circuit 174 demodulates the ID informationrequesting signal and outputs receive data DRX corresponding thereto tothe IC card control circuit 177. The IC card control circuit 177 readsan ID number NID from the non-volatile memory 178, and outputs to theASK modulating circuit 175 transmission data DTX corresponding to the IDnumber NID. The ASK modulating circuit 175 performs amplitude modulationof the transmission data DTX and transmits response signal correspondingthe ID number NID as transmission signal through the antenna 171 to theexternal transmitter-receiver 90.

When the ID number NID is identified at the externaltransmitter-receiver 90, data is exchanged in the same procedure as theabove, the data being actual data required for identifying incoming andoutgoing users (step S5).

When the data exchange is completed, the central control circuit 125writes necessary changes in flag and data of remaining values of theprepaid card after the used amount is deducted in the non-volatilememory 178 (step S6). When the data writing is completed, the IC cardcontrol circuit 177 enters a standby state.

Because no more carrier is detected by the carrier detector 173 once thedata exchange is completed, the watch control circuit 135 changes thecontrol signal S again to level “L” so as to light the liquid crystaldisplay panel 129A (step S7).

Then, the watch control circuit 135 supplies power and clock signal CLKwith the IC card unit 179, reads data updated along with the dataexchanges from the non-volatile memory 178 through the IC card controlcircuit 177 and stores them in a RAM (not shown). Then, the watchcontrol circuit 135 controls the driving circuit 129D based on the readdata and displays the updated data on the display unit 129.

[5.3] Effects of the Embodiment

As described above, also in the present embodiment, the suspension of adisplay operation at the display portion during a data communicationprevents the noise from the display portion from affecting the datacommunication. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit the deterioration ofcommunication sensitivity and the decrease of a communication range,thereby enabling to prevent communication errors.

Also, data exchanges at the IC card unit are performed utilizing powerof waves transmitted from the external transmitter-receiver 90, therebyminimizing power consumption and extending the operating life of thewristwatch-type electronic device.

[5.4] Modifications of the Fifth Embodiment

[5.4.1] First Modification

While in the above description the device is configured to detectthrough the carrier detecting circuit 173 that the IC card unit 179 isexchanging data and displaying the updated data at the display unit, itis possible to configure the device to supply power to the IC card unit179 only when a data display button on the external operation inputtingunit 130 is operated and reading data from the non-volatile memory 178for display.

[5.4.2] Second Modification

In the above description, the device is configured to detect through thecarrier detecting circuit 173 that the IC card unit 179 is exchangingdata. However, instead of such a configuration, it is possible toconfigure in such a way as to transmit some kind of electric signal tothe watch control circuit 135 from the IC card control circuit 177through a signal line (I/O) when IC card control circuit 177 startsoperating, wherein the watch control circuit 135 detects the start ofthe operation of the IC card control circuit 177 by a change in thevoltage level of the signal line (I/O), thereby suspending a displayoperation. According to this configuration, the provision of the carrierdetecting circuit 173 is no more necessary, thus enabling thesimplification of the circuit configuration. Also in this case, it ispossible to supply power to the IC card unit 179 only when a datadisplay button on the external operation inputting unit 130 is operatedand to read data from the non-volatile memory 178 for display.

[5.4.3] Third Modification

A third modification and the following modifications can be applied notonly to the fifth embodiment but also to the fourth embodiment.

In the above embodiment, since data communication is performed with thewristwatch-type electronic device on the arm, a user cannot see thedisplay unit 129 at the timing when time display disappears, but causingno inconvenience to the user. For this reason, the time display is setto be resumed after the writing of data into the non-volatile memory iscompleted.

However, in a system such that there are so much data that time for dataexchange becomes too long, it is possible to configure the device insuch a way that the time display is resumed before data are written intothe non-volatile memory.

[5.4.4] Fourth Modification

In the above description, the time display is suspended until all thedata exchanges and the writing of the data into the memory arecompleted. However, in such a system where there are so much datacommunication that the time for exchanging data becomes too long, it ispossible to alternately repeat data communication and time display.

To be more concrete, it is described in the flow chart shown in FIG. 24.

When a user passes through gate G (refer to FIG. 1), the user brings thedial side of the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D close to the loopantenna 97 (refer to FIG. 2) (step S11).

On the other hand, the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D determineswhether or not it has received polling signal from the antenna 97 of theexternal transmitter-receiver 90 (step S12).

In the determination of step S12, when polling signal is not received(step S12; NO), the wristwatch-type electronic device 10D enters astandby state, and time is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel129A.

Also, in the determination of step S12, when polling signal is received(step S12; YES), the watch control circuit 135 changes control signal Sto be output to the driving circuit 129D to level “H”, therebysuspending time display (step S13).

Subsequently, a part of data is transmitted and received (step S14).When the transmitting and receiving of a part of the data is completed,the watch control circuit 135 writes in the subject data into anon-volatile memory (not shown) (step S15).

The writing of the data is completed, the watch control circuit 135again changes the control signal S to level “L” to make the liquidcrystal display panel 129A a light state and resumes time display (stepS16).

Then, it is determined whether all the data have been received (stepS17), and when all the data have been received (step S17; YES), theprocedure ends.

On the other hand, in the determination of step S17, when all the datahave not been received (step S17; NO), the routine again goes back tostep S13 and repeats the same procedure.

In the present modification, although data exchange and time display arealternately repeated, the time during which time display is beingsuspended by the data exchanges is short. Therefore, a user can performdata communication without being aware of the time display beingsuspended by data transfer.

[5.4.5] Fifth Modification

In the above description, the operation of the driving circuit for thedisplay unit is suspended when a display operation at the display unitis suspended. However, it is possible to inhibit the input of drivingcontrol signal for controlling the driving circuit. Further, the watchcontrol circuit can be configured so as to control through a controlprogram stored in a memory such as RAM and ROM, utilizing amicroprocessor unit (MPU). It is also possible to configure in such away as to inhibit the input of a boosting clock of the boosting circuitof the driving circuit.

[5.4.6] Sixth Modification

In the above description, a description was not given as to the formatof a bi-directional radio communication, but any format can be used if alocal communication within the range of one to ten meters can beimplemented. For example, a communication protocol such as Bluetoothusing the radio frequency band of 2.45 GHz can be used.

[5.4.7] Seventh Modification

In the above description, a wristwatch-type electronic device isdescribed for an example of a hand-held radio communication device, butvarious embodiments can be conceived such as a necklace type and apendant type that can be put on by a user.

[5.4.8] Eighth Modification

In the above description, it is assumed that control programs for anexternal transmitter-receiver and a wristwatch-type electronic deviceare installed in a ROM or a RAM in advance.

However, it is possible to store control programs in a recording mediumcapable of storing control programs such as optical disks including asemi-conductor memory, CD, CD-R, digital versatile disk (DVD),DVD-Rewritable (DVD-R), DVD-Random Access Memory (DVD-RAM);magneto-optical disks including a magneto-optical (MO) and mini disk(MD); and magnetic disks including a hard disk and flexible disk, toinstall the control programs in a memory (rewritable ROM or RAM) in theexternal transmitter-receiver or in the wristwatch-type electronicdevice through an appropriate drive device so that the MPU controllingthe external transmitter-receiver or the wristwatch-type electronicdevice operates based on the installed control programs.

Further, it is possible to get control programs delivered to theexternal transmitter-receiver or the wristwatch-type electronic devicethrough a network such as the Internet, a private line (radio or cable),and a public line (radio or cable). In this case, the delivered controlprograms are installed in a memory (rewritable ROM or RAM) of theexternal transmitter-receiver or the wristwatch-type electronic deviceso that the MPU controlling the external transmitter-receiver or thewristwatch-type electronic device operates based on the installedcontrol programs.

[6] Sixth Embodiment

Although a watch with a built-in compact low-profile contactless IC cardhas been invented, if a user wishes to take advantage of such a watch,it is uneconomical for the user to purchase a new watch in addition tothe hitherto used watch the user has been using. Since the old watch isnot capable of supporting a contactless IC card function, there has beena problem that the user's own watch becomes no longer useful.

In consideration of the above problems, the present embodiment has anobject of providing a radio device for watches which enables the user'spresently-owned watch to easily support the contactless IC cardfunction.

[6.1] Overall Configuration

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a watch 201 with respect tothe present embodiment.

The watch 201 comprises a watch body 210, bands 220 that are attached tothe both sides of the watch body 210. A radio device for watches(hereinafter will be referred to as radio device 230) is insertedbetween the twelve-o'clock side (top side) of the watch body 210 and theband 220, thereby composing a part of the watch 201.

The watch body 210 comprises a watch case 211 which contains a watchfunction (not shown) and a mounting portion 212 that is formed protrudedto top and down sides (in the direction of twelve and six o'clock) ofthe watch case 211. The mounting portion 212 comprises a pair ofprojecting portions 213 protruded from the watch body 210, and anengaging hole 214 bored at a predetermined position on a mutually-facedsurface of each projecting portion 213. The point of a spring bar 261 isengaged to each engaging hole 214.

The band 220 is made by connecting a plurality of links 221 in a chain,each link being made of metal materials. Also, of these links 221, alink 221 close to the watch body 210 comprises a link body 222, amounting portion 223 protruded on one side of the link body 222 with apenetrating hole 224 through which the spring band 261 is drawn, and alink mounting unit 225 protruded on the other side of the link body 222.

[6.2] Configuration of the Watch Radio Device 230

Next, a configuration of the radio device 230 will be described based onFIG. 25 to FIG. 28.

The radio device 230 is mounted between the watch body 210 and the band220. The radio device 230 comprises a rectangular casing 231 made ofinsulating materials (for example, resins materials such as plastics), abody side mounting portion 232 protruded to one side of the casing 231,a band side mounting portion 234 protruded to the other side. Also, thesurface of the casing 231 is colored with the same color as the band 220by means of coating or printing, thereby preventing the aesthetic valueof the watch 201 itself from being detracted.

The body side mounting portion 232 has a penetrating hole 233 throughwhich a spring band 261 is drawn, and the band side mounting portion 234has a pair of projecting portions 235 protruded from the casing 231 andengaging holes 236 bored at a predetermined position on a mutually-facedsurface of each projecting portion 235.

The body side mounting portion 232 of the radio device 230 is attachedto the mounting portion 212 of the watch body 210 by a spring bar 261,and the band side mounting portion 234 of the radio device 230 isattached to the mounting portion 223 of the band 220 by a spring bar261. Thus, the radio device 230 can be easily inserted between the watchbody 210 and the band 220 by a user, thereby enabling to add thecontactless IC card function to a user's own watch.

Also, as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, there is provided anaccommodating room 237 for accommodating a contactless IC card 240 (aswill be described hereinafter) in the casing 231, and an opening of theaccommodating room 237 is covered by a cover 238.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of thecontactless IC card 240.

The contact IC card 240 comprises a film board 241, a double windingloop antenna 242 made by pasting copper foil thereon; a tuning capacitor243, and an IC chip 244.

In order to enhance the antenna efficiency of the loop antenna 242, itis preferred to have a larger loop area of the loop antenna 242. Thecommunication quality is enhanced when the IC chip 244 is placed outsidethe loop antenna 242 if the space allows, thereby extending acommunication range between the radio device 230 and an externalcommunication device.

The number of turns for the loop antenna 242 is about several turns whenthe short-wave frequency band of 13.56 [MHz] is used for communication,and about several tens of turns when the long-wave frequency band of 125[kHz] or 134 [kHz] is used. Because, for a loop antenna of several tensof turns, it is difficult area-wise to form a loop antenna 242 with acopper pattern on the film board 241, a solenoid loop antenna 242 may beconfigured by winding a copper wire and the like perpendicular to thediameter of the loop. Further, in cases where the microwave band of 2.45[GHz] is used as communication frequency, it is possible to form amicrostrip antenna on the film board 241.

The IC chip 244 comprises a rectifier circuit 245 for generating drivingvoltage by rectifying received signal, a standard signal generator 246for generating standard clock signal from signal, a demodulator 247 fordemodulating signal, a modulator 248 (RF unit) for performingmodulations, a serial/parallel bi-directional converter 249 (hereinafterreferred to as SP/PS converter 249) for performing serial/parallel orparallel/serial conversions between the demodulator 247 and themodulator 248, a central controller 250 for controlling each unit, anencryption processor 251 for encrypting and decrypting data, and anon-volatile memory 252 for storing data.

Further, the standard signal generator 246, the demodulator 247, themodulator 248, the central controller 250, the encryption processor 251,and the non-volatile memory 252 constitute a driving unit A driven bydriving power output from the rectifier circuit 245.

The rectifier circuit 245, upon receiving induction field as signal froman external radio device (for example, a contactless automatic ticketgate) through the loop antenna 242 and the tuning capacitor 243, outputsdriving power obtained by rectifying the signal to the driving unit A.Further, the rectifier circuit 245 is made of diode, thereby outputtingdriving power of half-wave or full-wave rectification. This enables acontactless IC card 240 to drive the driving unit A without having apower source.

The standard signal generating unit 246 generates standard clock signalfrom received signal through the loop antenna 242 and the tuningcapacitor 243 and outputs the generated signal to the central controller250.

The demodulator 247 demodulates received signal through the loop antenna242 and the tuning capacitor 243, and the SP/PS converter 249 convertsthe demodulated signal into parallel signal for output to the centralcontroller 250. The modulator 248 modulates transmission data from thecentral controller 250 that are converted into serial data through theSP/PS converter 249, for supply to the tuning capacitor 243 and the loopantenna 242.

The SP/PS converter 249 is driven based on the standard clock signaloutput from the standard signal generator 246.

The central controller 250 performs various types of control based onthe standard clock signal from the standard signal generator 246 and hasa CPU, RAM, and ROM (none of them is shown). The ROM stores controlprograms for performing various types of control, parameters, and soforth. The central controller 250 exchanges data with a demodulator 247,a modulator 248, and the encryption processor 251.

The encryption processor 251 encrypts non-encrypted data when receivingthem, and supplies the encrypted data to the non-volatile memory 252 aswell as decrypting data read from the non-volatile memory 252 under theinstruction of the central controller 250, f6r supply to the centralcontroller 250.

The non-volatile memory 252 is configured by, for example, EEPROM, andwrites decrypted data supplied from the encryption processor 251 as wellas reading out stored data under the instruction of the centralcontroller 250.

[6.4] Operation

An operation of the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.

The central controller 250 of the contactless IC card 240 receives adigital (ASK or FSK) modulated polling signal by detecting the magneticfield induced by the loop antenna 242 and the tuning capacitor 243 andreads parallel data from a specified memory address. The parallel dataread from the memory are then synchronized to transmitted modulatingsignal into parallel-serial (PS) conversion, and the converted data areoutput as serial transmission data. The modulator 248 modulates thetransmission data and changes the resonance frequency of a tank circuitcomprising the loop antenna 242 and the tuning capacitor 243, therebytransmitting the transmission data to an external radio device.

On the other hand, the contactless IC card 240 needs no battery becauseall necessary power is supplied from an external radio device and alsobecause non-volatile memories such as EEPROM and ferroelectric memoriesare used for a data memory.

[6.4] Intended Uses of the Present Embodiment

The present embodiment enables a user to use the radio device 230 of thewatch 201 worn on the arm, for example, as a train ticket, whicheliminates the need for the user to be bothered taking out a trainticket.

Additionally, in the present embodiment, the radio device 230 ispositioned on the twelve-o'clock side of the watch body 210, which meansthat the radio device would be closer to the antenna of an externaltransmitter-receiver of the automatic ticket gate than being mounted onthe six-o'clock side of the watch body 210. Thus, it becomes possible toensure reliable implementation of radio communication between theexternal transmitter-receiver and the radio device 230. Also, inbringing the watch close to the antenna, the reliable implementationwill be further ensured by an easy action of holding the watch 201 upover the antenna of the external transmitter-receiver.

It is also possible to utilize the watch 201 with the radio device 230as a prepaid card. It is assumed in this case that information onremaining value of the prepaid card and the like are stored in thenon-volatile memory 252 in advance and that an external communicationdevice is provided at the cashier of shops.

When a user purchases a product in a shop, a salesperson at the cashierenters the amount of purchase for the product, and data exchanges areperformed between the non-volatile memory 252 of the radio device 230and the cashier communication device when the user brings the watch 201close to the communication device.

This radio communication transmits the information on the remainingvalue to the cashier communication device, and a receipt is issued fromthe cashier. On the other hand, the amount of purchase for the productis written into the non-volatile memory 252 of the radio device 230. Asa result, the remaining value changes to an amount obtained by deductingthe amount of purchase.

Thus, a user does not need to take out money or a prepaid card out of awallet in purchasing a product and makes a payment because the user canuse the radio device 230 of the watch 201 on the arm as a prepaid card.

Other uses can be envisioned in various ways as follows:

1) the radio device 230 mounted on the watch 201 can used as a creditcard or an electronic money;

2) the use of the radio device 230 mounted on the watch 201 is notrestricted to a train ticket but as a lift pass for the ski lift, anadmission and ride tickets of amusement parks, an admission pass formovie theaters, and various admission tickets or ride tickets; and

3) further, the radio device 230 mounted on the watch 201 is notrestricted to the above mentioned uses but can be used for variouspurposes to which a contactless IC card can be applied such as telephonecards, library cards, medical records, and the like.

[6.5] Actions and Effects of the Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 25, the radio device 230 of the present embodiment canbe connected easily by a user between the watch body 210 and the band220, thereby providing a contactless IC card function easily with ahitherto used watch.

As a result, the user can continue using the hitherto used watch to addthe contactless IC card function to the watch without unwillinglyspending money for a new watch.

Further, the surface of the radio device 230 is colored with the samecolor as the band 220, thereby using the watch without loss of aestheticvalue of the watch 201 itself.

Also, even in the case of purchasing a new watch, the hitherto usedradio device 230 can be easily used to the new watch, and the IC cardfunction can be kept using.

[7] Seventh Embodiment

[7.1] Overall Configuration

Next, a seventh embodiment with respect to the present invention will bedescribed based on FIG. 29 and FIG. 30. The characteristics of thepresent embodiment lies in that a band is formed of a pair of strapbands and that a contactless IC card is provided inside one of the strapbands. In the present embodiment, components identical with theabove-mentioned components are given the same reference numerals, andthe description thereof will be omitted.

A watch with respect to the present embodiment comprises a watch body210 and a band 260 having strap bands 261 and 265.

The strap bands 261 and 265 are made of leather materials or plasticssuch as urethane and silicon. One of the strap bands 261 has a bodymounting portion 262 on one end and a buckle 263 on the other end. Theother strap band 265 has a body mounting portion 266 on one end, andpunch holes 267 are perforated from the middle portion of its length tothe other end. The band 260 is attached to the watch body by fixing eachbody mounting portion 262 or 266 to each band mounting portion 213 ofthe watch body 210 by a spring bar 261, thus forming a watch.

A user engages the pin of the buckle 263 of the band 260 with one of thepunch holes 267, with the watch wrapped around the arm, thus wearing thewatch on the arm.

In the present embodiment, a contactless IC card 240′ is provided withinthe strap band 261. As shown in FIG. 30, the contactless IC card 240′comprises a rectangular film board 241′, a double winding loop antenna242′ formed by pasting copper foil on the film board 241′, a tuningcapacitor 243, and an IC chip 244. The configuration of the IC chip 244is identical with that of the sixth embodiment; therefore, thedescription thereof will be omitted. The contactless IC card 240′ can befixed to the strap band 261 by sandwiching the card 240′ in leathers ifthe strap band is made of two-ply leather stitched together. If the bandis made of one-play leather, it is possible to paste the card byadhesives and the like or to cover the surface.

[7.2] Effects of the Present Embodiment

The present embodiment enables a user to add a contactless IC cardfunction to the hitherto watch without purchasing a new watch and byreplacing the band of the watch to a band in which a contactless IC card240′ is contained.

[8] Modifications of the Sixth or Seventh Embodiment

[8.1] First Modification

In the above sixth embodiment, the outside shape of the radio device 230is made to the shape of a link, and in the seventh embodiment, acontactless IC card 240′ is provided in a strap band 261. However, thepresent invention is not restricted thereto, but can employ embodimentssuch as below.

1) As shown in FIG. 31, the radio device 270 may be formed of adetachable ring-shaped casing 271 that can be attached to the outer rimof the glass portion of the watch body 210; and a contactless IC cardprovided on the ring-shaped casing 271. In this case, it is possible toadd a contactless IC card function to the hitherto owned watch bychanging the bezel to the ring-shaped casing 271.

2) A part of a protector for protecting the glass of the watch body canbe made to a casing, in which a contactless IC card can be provided.

3) It is possible to attach a radio device to the band. As shown in FIG.32, the radio device 280 is formed of a casing 281 having two engaginglugs 282 engaged by being bent in the direction of the band 220 to bothsides and a contactless IC card provided inside the casing 281.

Alternatively, the casing can be attached to the band by providing ahole on the casing to draw the band therethrough.

4) A contactless IC card can be pasted to the band, or on the glasssurface of the watch body 210. In the case of pasting on the glasssurface, it is possible to make a film board of transparent materials tobe pasted so as not to hinder the time display.

In the above 1) to 3) modifications, it is preferable that the casing ismade of non-conductive materials because the casing contains acontactless IC including an antenna.

[8.2] Second Modification

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that no batteryis provided in contactless IC cards, but a battery may be provided.

[8.3] Third Modification

In each of the above embodiments, the case of mounting one radio deviceon a watch has been described. The present invention is not restrictedthereto, but it is possible to provide both a radio device used for aride ticket and another radio device used as a credit card can bemounted to a single watch. In this case, a user can ride on vehicles andpurchase products by performing radio communications between the radiodevices of the watch and an external communication device without takingin and out money.

[8.4] Fourth Modification

The above radio device can be mounted not only to watches but to otheritems.

1. A hand-held electronic device comprising: a contactless communicationunit for performing contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver, wherein said contactless data communication unit(i) comprises a memory and a voltage power generating circuit forgenerating voltage power from a signal received from said externaltransmitter-receiver to supply the generated voltage power to a circuitin said contactless communication unit including said memory, (ii)receives data through contactless communication utilizing voltage powergenerated by said voltage power generating circuit, and (iii) writes insaid memory data acquired by the contactless data communication orupdates data in said memory with data acquired by the contactless datacommunication; a power source; a switch provided between said powersource and said contactless communication unit; a display unit; aninformation processing unit which operates on power provided from saidpower source, for receiving data from said memory of said contactlesscommunication unit to display the data on said display unit or processthe data and then display the processed data on said display unit; acarrier detecting unit for detecting a carrier transmitted from saidexternal transmitter-receiver; and a power supply controlling unit forbringing said switch into an on state, in response to a signal from saidcarrier detecting unit indicating that a carrier is no longer beinginput to said hand-held electronic device, so as to trigger a powersupply from said power source to said contactless communication unit. 2.A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switchis a transistor.
 3. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1,wherein said contactless communication unit includes an antenna and ahigh-frequency circuit connected thereto.
 4. A hand-held electronicdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein said contactless communicationunit has a clock generating unit for generating a clock from a carrierreceived from said external transmitter-receiver and receives data fromsaid external transmitter-receiver by the clock.
 5. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said voltage powergenerating circuit includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying thesignal received from said external transmitter-receiver to generate saidvoltage power.
 6. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1,wherein, during a period of time in which the carrier is detected bysaid carrier detecting unit, said contactless communication unitperforms contactless data communication with said externaltransmitter-receiver, and during a period of time in which the carrieris not detected by said carrier detecting unit, said informationprocessing unit receives data from said contactless communication unit.7. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidcarrier detecting unit operates on power from said power source.
 8. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, during aperiod of time in which the carrier is detected by said carrierdetecting unit, said contactless communication unit receives datathrough the contactless data communication utilizing voltage powergenerated by said voltage power generating circuit, and writes into saidmemory data acquired by said contactless data communication or updatesdata in said memory through the contactless data communication; andwherein, during a period of time in which the carrier is not detected bysaid carrier detecting unit, said contactless communication unitutilizes power from said battery, reads the data from said memory totransmit the data to said information processing unit.
 9. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a clockgenerating unit for generating a clock for timing control of saidcontactless communication unit during a period of time that the carrieris not detected by said carrier detecting unit.
 10. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, when a carrierdetection state changes from a state where the carrier is detected bysaid carrier detecting unit to a state where the carrier is not detectedby said carrier detecting unit, with the change acting as a trigger,data transfer from said contactless communication unit to saidinformation processing unit is initiated.
 11. A hand-held electronicdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein, according to an operationinitiated by an operator, said power supply controlling unit brings saidswitch to an on state so as to supply power from said power source tosaid contactless communication unit via said switch and said informationprocessing unit receives data from said contactless communication unit.12. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein saidinformation processing unit, when termination of a display operation isinstructed by an operator, terminates the display operation of thereceived data from said contactless communication unit or the resultsobtained by processing the data.
 13. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 11, wherein said information processing unit terminatesthe display operation after maintaining the display operation for apredetermined period of time of the received data from said contactlesscommunication unit or the results obtained by processing the data.
 14. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein saidinformation processing unit displays the received data from saidcontactless communication unit or the results obtained by processing thedata on said display unit and terminates the display operation, and,when the start of a display operation is instructed by an operatorthereafter, resumes the terminated display operation.
 15. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said informationprocessing unit, when it does not display received data from saidcontactless communication unit or results obtained by processing thedata, displays other information on said display unit.
 16. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said informationprocessing unit has a timekeeping unit for performing timekeepingoperations to generate time information, and, when the data receivedfrom said contactless communication unit or the results obtained byprocessing the data are not displayed, displays the time informationobtained from said timekeeping unit.
 17. A hand-held electronic deviceas claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a timekeeping unit forperforming timekeeping operations to generate time information; and ananalog hand display unit for automatically driving analog hands based onsaid time information to perform time display operations.
 18. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said displayunit includes a transparent liquid crystal display element positioned infront of said analog hands, and said analog hands can be viewed throughthe transparent liquid crystal display element.
 19. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said display unitincludes a transparent organic electroluminescence light emittingelement, and said analog hands can be viewed through the transparentorganic electroluminescence light emitting element.
 20. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said display unitincludes a liquid crystal display element positioned behind said analoghands.
 21. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 17, whereinsaid display unit includes an organic electroluminescence light emittingelement positioned behind said analog hands.
 22. A hand-held electronicdevice as claimed in claim 17, wherein said analog hand display unitincludes a driving motor which stepwisely drives said analog hands; andwherein said hand-held electronic device comprises a motor driveprohibiting unit which inhibits supply of a driving signal to saiddriving motor, during a period of time that said contactlesscommunication unit is performing contactless data communication withsaid external transmitter-receiver.
 23. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the datareceived from said contactless communication unit or storing resultsobtained by processing the data, wherein said information processingunit, when start of a display operation is instructed by an operator,reads from said memory stored data or results obtained by processing thedata and displays on said display unit the stored data or resultsobtained by processing the data.
 24. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 23, wherein said information processing unit, whentermination of a display operation is instructed by an operator,terminates the display operation of the stored data or results obtainedby processing the data.
 25. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 23, wherein said information processing unit terminates thedisplay operation of the stored data or results obtained by processingthe data after maintaining the display operation for a predeterminedperiod of time.
 26. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a display prohibiting unit for suspending a displayoperation of said display unit during a period of time that saidcontactless communication unit performs contactless data communicationwith said external transmitter-receiver at the other end.
 27. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in 26, wherein said displayprohibiting unit detects that a radio communication start signal isreceived from said external transmitter-receiver by said contactlesscommunication unit, thereby detecting start of said contactless datacommunication.
 28. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 26,further comprising a memory, wherein said display prohibiting unitresumes the display operation of said display unit when data acquired bysaid contactless data communication are written into said memory, orwhen data in said memory is updated through said contactless s datacommunication.
 29. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 26,further comprising a controller for causing said contactless datacommunication to be divided into multiple timings and performedintermittently, wherein said display prohibiting unit causes the displayoperation of said display unit to be suspended when said contactlessdata communication is initiated or resumed, and the operation to beresumed when said contactless data communication is suspended orterminated.
 30. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 26,wherein said display unit comprises a display panel unit for performingdisplay operations and a display driving unit for driving said displaypanel unit; and wherein said display prohibiting unit suspends thedisplay operation by suspending the operation of said display drivingunit.
 31. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 26, whereinsaid display unit comprises a display panel unit for performing displayoperations and a display driving unit for driving said display panelunit according to a display control signal; and wherein said displayprohibiting unit suspends the display operation by cutting off supply ofsaid display control signal to said display driving unit.
 32. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 26, further comprising:a lighting unit which is placed at a front or back side of said displayunit, for lighting said display unit; and a light prohibiting unit forprohibiting said lighting unit from performing lighting operationsduring a period of said contactless data communication.
 33. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 1, having a form resembling thatof a wristwatch that can be mounted on the arm of a user.
 34. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said powersource is a battery.
 35. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: saidpower supply controlling unit brings said switch into an on state duringa period of time in which the carrier is detected by said carrierdetecting unit; and said information processing unit receives datawithin the period of time in which the carrier is detected by saidcarrier detecting unit.
 36. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:said contactless communication unit further comprises a microprocessorthat operates on power from said power source and a level shifter forshifting a level of a signal received from said externaltransmitter-receiver into another level that is sufficient to beprocessed by said microprocessor, before transmitting the signal to themicroprocessor; and said information processing unit process datacorresponding to the output signal of said level shifter.
 37. Ahand-held electronic device, comprising: a contactless communicationunit for performing contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver; a display unit for displaying information bydigital control; an information processing unit which receives dataobtained through said contactless data communication from saidcontactless communication unit to display the data or results obtainedafter processing the data on said display unit; and a displayprohibiting unit for suspending the display operation of said displayunit on receipt of a polling signal transmitted from said externaltransmitter-receiver.
 38. A method for controlling a hand-heldelectronic device comprising a contactless communication unit forperforming contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver, a power source, a switch provided between saidpower source and said contactless communication unit, a display unit, aninformation processing unit which operates on power from said powersource, a carrier detecting unit for detecting a carrier transmittedfrom said external transmitter-receiver, a power supply controlling unitfor controlling power supply from said power source to said contactlesscommunication unit, a memory, and a voltage power generating circuit forgenerating voltage power from a signal received from said externaltransmitter-receiver, the method comprising the steps of: causing saidcontactless communication unit to write, in said memory, data acquiredby the contactless data communication or update data in said memory withdata acquired by the contactless data communication, wherein saidcontactless communication unit including said memory obtains power fromsaid voltage power generating circuit at least when receiving data fromsaid external transmitter-receiver; causing said information processingunit to receive data from said memory of said contactless communicationunit, display the data on said display unit or process the data and thendisplay the processed data on said display unit; causing said carrierdetecting unit to detect a carrier transmitted from said externaltransmitter-receiver; and causing said power supply controlling unit tobring said switch into an on state, in response to a signal from saidcarrier detecting unit indicating that a carrier is no longer beinginput to said hand-held electronic device, so as to trigger a powersupply from said power source to said contactless communication unit.39. A method for controlling a hand-held electronic device comprising acontactless communication unit for performing contactless datacommunication with an external transmitter-receiver and a display unit,including the step of: suspending a display operation of said displayunit on receipt of a polling signal transmitted from said externaltransmitter-receiver.
 40. A computer program product for controlling ahand-held electronic device comprising a contactless communication unitfor performing contactless data communication with an externaltransmitter-receiver, a power source, a switch provided between saidpower source and said contactless communication unit, a display unit, aninformation processing unit which operates on power from said powersource, a carrier detecting unit for detecting a carrier transmittedfrom said external transmitter-receiver, a power supply controlling unitfor controlling power supply from said power source to said contactlesscommunication unit, a memory, and a voltage power generating circuit forgenerating voltage power from a signal received from said externaltransmitter-receiver, the computer program product comprising: computerreadable program means for causing said contactless communication unitto write, in said memory, data acquired by contactless datacommunication or update data in said memory with data acquired by thecontactless data communication, wherein said contactless communicationunit including said memory obtains power from said voltage powergenerating circuit at least when receiving data from said externaltransmitter-receiver; and computer readable program means for causingsaid information processing unit to receive data from said memory ofsaid contactless communication unit, display the data on said displayunit or process the data and then display the processed data on saiddisplay unit; computer readable program means for causing said carrierdetecting unit to detect a carrier transmitted from said externaltransmitter-receiver; and computer readable program means for causingsaid power supply controlling unit to bring said switch into an onstate, in response to a signal from said carrier detecting unitindicating that a carrier is no longer being input to said hand-heldelectronic device, so as to trigger a power supply from said powersource to said contactless communication unit.
 41. A computer controlprogram product, wherein the control program is executed by a hand-heldelectronic device having a contactless communication unit for performingcontactless data communication with an external transmitter-receiver anda display unit, comprising computer readable program means for causing acomputer to suspend a display operation of said display unit on receiptof a polling signal transmitted from said external transmitter-receiver.42. A recording medium in which control program means for controlling ahand-held electronic device is stored, the hand-held electronic devicecomprising a contactless communication unit for performing contactlessdata communication with an external transmitter-receiver, a powersource, a switch provided between said power source and said contactlesscommunication unit, a display unit, an information processing unit whichoperates on power from said power source, a carrier detecting unit fordetecting a carrier transmitted from said external transmitter-receiver,a power supply controlling unit for controlling power supply from saidpower source to said contactless communication unit, a memory, and avoltage power generating circuit for generating voltage power from asignal received from said external transmitter-receiver, the controlprogram means performing the steps of: causing said contactlesscommunication unit to write, in said memory, data acquired bycontactless data communication or update data in said memory with dataacquired by the contactless data communication, wherein said contactlesscommunication unit including said memory obtains power from said voltagepower generating circuit at least when receiving data from said externaltransmitter-receiver; causing said information processing unit toreceive data from said memory of said contactless communication unit,display data on said display unit or process the data and then displaythe processed data on said display unit; causing said carrier detectingunit to detect a carrier transmitted from said externaltransmitter-receiver; and causing said power supply controlling unit tobring said switch into an on state, in response to a signal from saidcarrier detecting unit indicating that a carrier is no longer beinginput to said hand-held electronic device, so as to trigger a powersupply from said power source to said contactless communication unit.43. A computer readable recording medium in which control program meansfor controlling a hand-held electronic device is stored, the hand-heldelectronic device having a contactless communication unit for performingcontactless data communication with an external transmitter-receiver,and a display unit, wherein said control program means suspends adisplay operation of said display unit on receipt of a polling signaltransmitted from said external transmitter-receiver.
 44. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier detectingunit operates on power from said power source.
 45. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said memory is anon-volatile memory.
 46. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said power supply controlling unit, when a data signalis transmitted from said contactless communication unit to said externaltransmitter-receiver, brings said switch into an on state so as tosupply power from said power source to said contactless communicationunit via said switch.
 47. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 35, wherein said power supply controlling unit, when a data signalis transmitted from said contactless communication unit to said externaltransmitter-receiver, brings said switch into an on state so as tosupply power from said power source to said contactless communicationunit via said switch.
 48. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 35, wherein said contactless communication unit includes anantenna and a high-frequency circuit connected thereto.
 49. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 35, wherein said contactlesscommunication unit has a clock generating unit for generating a clockfrom a carrier received from said external transmitter-receiver andreceives data from said external transmitter-receiver by the clock. 50.A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 35, wherein saidinformation processing unit, when termination of a display operation isinstructed by an operator, terminates the display operation of thereceived data from said contactless communication unit or the resultsobtained by processing the data.
 51. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 35, wherein said information processing unit terminatesa display operation of the received data from said contactlesscommunication unit or the results obtained by processing the data aftermaintaining the display operation for a predetermined period of time.52. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 51, wherein, in acase that a display operation of the received data from said contactlesscommunication unit or the results obtained by processing the data isperformed when termination of the display operation is instructed by anoperator, said information processing unit terminates the displayoperation.
 53. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 35,wherein said information processing unit displays the received data fromsaid contactless communication unit or the results obtained byprocessing the data on said display unit and terminates the displayoperation, and, when start of a display operation is instructed by anoperator thereafter, resumes the terminated display operation.
 54. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36, wherein saidinformation processing unit, when it does not display received data fromsaid contactless communication unit or results obtained by processingthe data, may display other information on said display unit.
 55. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 54, wherein saidinformation processing unit has a timekeeping unit for performingtimekeeping operations to generate time information, and, when thereceived data from said contactless communication unit or the resultsobtained by processing the data are not displayed, displays the timeinformation obtained from said timekeeping unit.
 56. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 35, further comprising: atimekeeping unit for performing timekeeping operations to generate timeinformation; and an analog hand display unit for automatically drivinganalog hands based on said time information to perform time displayoperations.
 57. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 56,wherein said display unit includes a transparent liquid crystal displayelement positioned in front of said analog hands, and said analog handscan be viewed through the transparent liquid crystal display element.58. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 56, wherein saiddisplay unit includes a transparent organic electroluminescence lightemitting element, and said analog hands can be viewed through thetransparent organic electroluminescence light emitting element.
 59. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 56, wherein said displayunit includes a liquid crystal display element positioned behind saidanalog hands.
 60. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 56,wherein said display unit includes an organic electroluminescence lightemitting element positioned behind said analog hands.
 61. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 56, wherein said analog handdisplay unit includes a driving motor which stepwisely drives saidanalog hands; and wherein said hand-held electronic device comprises amotor drive prohibiting unit which inhibits supply of a driving signalto said driving motor, during a period of time that said contactlesscommunication unit is performing contactless data communication withsaid external transmitter-receiver.
 62. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 35, further comprising a memory for storing the datareceived from said contactless communication unit or storing resultsobtained by processing the data, wherein said information processingunit, when start of a display operation is instructed by an operator,reads from said memory stored data or results obtained by processing thedata and displays on said display unit the stored data or resultsobtained by processing the data.
 63. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 62, wherein said information processing unit, whentermination of a display operation is instructed by an operator,terminates the display operation of the stored data or results obtainedby processing the data.
 64. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 62, wherein said information processing unit terminates thedisplay operation after maintaining the display operation for apredetermined period of time of the data received from said contactlesscommunication unit or the results obtained by processing the data.
 65. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 35, having a form likethat of a wristwatch that can be mounted on the arm of a user.
 66. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 35, wherein said powersource is a battery.
 67. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 36, wherein said contactless communication unit includes anantenna and a high-frequency circuit connected thereto.
 68. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 36, wherein said contactlesscommunication unit has a clock generating unit for generating a clockfrom a carrier received from said external transmitter-receiver andreceives data from said external transmitter-receiver by the clock. 69.A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36, further comprisinga voltage power generating circuit for generating voltage power fromsignal received from said external transmitter-receiver, wherein saidcontactless communication unit receives power for performing radiocommunication with an external transmitter-receiver from said voltagepower generating circuit.
 70. A hand-held electronic device as claimedin claim 69, wherein said voltage power generating circuit includes arectifier circuit for rectifying a signal received from said externaltransmitter-receiver to generate said voltage power.
 71. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 36, wherein said informationprocessing unit, when termination of a display operation is instructedby an operator, terminates the display operation of the received datafrom said contactless communication unit or the results obtained byprocessing the data.
 72. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 36, wherein said information processing unit terminates a displayoperation of the received data from said contactless communication unitor the results obtained by processing the data after maintaining thedisplay operation for a predetermined period of time.
 73. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 72, wherein, when termination of adisplay operation is instructed by an operator, in a case that a thedisplay operation of the data received from said contactlesscommunication unit or the results obtained by processing the data isperformed, said information processing unit terminates the displayoperation.
 74. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36,wherein said information processing unit displays the data received fromsaid contactless communication unit or the results obtained byprocessing the data on said display unit and terminates the displayoperation, and, when start of a display operation is instructed by anoperator thereafter, resumes the terminated display operation.
 75. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36, wherein saidinformation processing unit, when it does not display data received fromsaid contactless communication unit or results obtained by processingthe data, displays other information on said display unit.
 76. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 75, wherein saidinformation processing unit has a timekeeping unit for performingtimekeeping operations to generate time information, and, when the datareceived from said contactless communication unit or the resultsobtained by processing the data are not displayed, displays the timeinformation obtained from said timekeeping unit.
 77. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 36, further comprising: atimekeeping unit for performing timekeeping operations to generate timeinformation; and an analog hand display unit for automatically drivinganalog hands based on said time information to perform time displayoperations.
 78. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 77,wherein said display unit includes a transparent liquid crystal displayelement positioned in front of said analog hands, and said analog handscan be viewed through the transparent liquid crystal display element.79. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 77, wherein saiddisplay unit includes a transparent organic electroluminescence lightemitting element, and said analog hands can be viewed through thetransparent organic electroluminescence light emitting element.
 80. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 77, wherein said displayunit includes a liquid crystal display element positioned behind saidanalog hands.
 81. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 77,wherein said display unit includes an organic electroluminescence lightemitting element positioned behind said analog hands.
 82. A hand-heldelectronic device as claimed in claim 77, wherein said analog handdisplay unit includes a driving motor which stepwisely drives saidanalog hands; and wherein said hand-held electronic device comprises amotor drive prohibiting unit which inhibits supply of a driving signalto said driving motor, during a period of time that said contactlesscommunication unit is performing contactless data communication withsaid external transmitter-receiver.
 83. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 36, further comprising a memory for storing the datareceived from said contactless communication unit or storing resultsobtained by processing the data, wherein said information processingunit, when start of a display operation is instructed by an operator,reads from said memory stored data or results obtained by processing thedata and displays on said display unit the stored data or resultsobtained by processing the data.
 84. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 83, wherein said information processing unit, whentermination of the display operation is instructed by an operator,terminates the display operation of the stored data or results obtainedby processing the data.
 85. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 83, wherein said information processing unit terminates thedisplay operation of the data received from said contactlesscommunication unit or the results obtained by processing the data aftermaintaining the display operation for a predetermined period of time.86. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36, furthercomprising a display prohibiting unit for suspending a display operationof said display unit during a period of time that said contactlesscommunication unit performs contactless data communication with saidexternal transmitter-receiver.
 87. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in 86, wherein said display prohibiting unit detects that radiocommunication start signal is received from said externaltransmitter-receiver by said contactless communication unit, therebydetecting the start of said contactless data communication.
 88. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36, having a form likethat of a wristwatch that can be mounted on the arm of a user.
 89. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 36, wherein said powersource is a battery.
 90. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in 37,wherein said display prohibiting unit detects that a radio communicationstart signal is received from said external transmitter-receiver by saidcontactless communication unit, thereby detecting start of saidcontactless data communication.
 91. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 37, further comprising a memory, wherein said displayprohibiting unit resumes the display operation of said display unit whendata acquired by said contactless data communication are written intosaid memory, or when data in said memory is updated through saidcontactless s data communication.
 92. A hand-held electronic device asclaimed in claim 37, comprising a controller for causing the contactlessdata communication to be divided into multiple timings and performedintermittently, wherein said display prohibiting unit causes a displayoperation of said display unit to be suspended when the contactless datacommunication is initiated or resumed, and the operation to be resumedwhen said contactless data communication is suspended or terminated. 93.A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 37, wherein saiddisplay unit comprises a display panel unit for performing displayoperations and a display driving unit for driving said display panelunit; and wherein said display prohibiting unit suspends a displayoperation by suspending the operation of said display driving unit. 94.A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 37, wherein saiddisplay unit comprises a display panel unit for performing displayoperations and a display driving unit for driving said display panelunit according to a display control signal; and wherein said displayprohibiting unit suspends a display operation by cutting off supply ofsaid display control signal to said display driving unit.
 95. Ahand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 94, wherein saidhand-held electronic device further comprises a circuit board, and saidcontactless communication unit comprises an antenna, and both of saiddisplay panel unit and said antenna are provided on one of the two sidesof said circuit board.
 96. A hand-held electronic device as claimed inclaim 37, further comprising: a lighting unit which is placed at a frontor back side of said display unit, for lighting said display unit; and alight prohibiting unit for prohibiting said lighting unit fromperforming lighting operations during a period of the contactless datacommunication.
 97. A hand-held electronic device as claimed in claim 96,wherein said lighting unit has a electroluminescence lighting device.